Summary During case proceedings, the apex court once again raised objection over new election schedule.
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday informed the Supreme Court that local government elections could be held in Punjab and Sindh on September 20, 2015 if two new printing machines are provided to the printing corporation, Dunya News reported.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Jawad S Khawaja heard the case pertaining to holding of local government polls.
During case proceedings, the apex court once again raised objection over new election schedule.
Justice Jawad S Khawaja remarked that elections should be held earlier than the given date as constitutional sections could not be ignored.
The bench also rejected ECP’s plea to hold LG elections in cantonment boards on May 2, 2015 instead of April 25.
Neither we have any personal interest in the local government polls nor the court is against the election commission, Justice Khawaja stated.
He said it was responsibility of the ECP to conduct these elections which it did not fulfill.
Meanwhile, Secretary ECP Sher Afgan pleaded before the court that the commission would be ready to hold local government elections in Punjab and Sindh on September 20 this year if two new printing machines are provided to the printing corporation.
He also withdrew recommendation of holding elections in three-phases in both provinces.
The apex court directed the election commission to submit written schedule of the local government elections in the next hearing on March 10.
