Politicians & legal experts condemn Senate resolution to delay general elections

PML-N’s Javed Latif opposed the desire to delay the elections.

ISLAMABAD: A resolution presented in the Senate on Friday, seeking a delay in the upcoming February 8 general elections, has sparked widespread condemnation from politicians and legal experts. The non-binding resolution, introduced by independent Senator Dilawar Khan during a session with limited attendance, was criticized as a “conspiracy against democracy.”

PPP’s Senator Taj Haider labeled the move as a “bomb dropped” on the upper house of Parliament, denouncing Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani for his alleged role in supporting the resolution. PPP’s Naveed Qamar strongly condemned the attempt to postpone the polls and emphasized the party’s commitment to constitutional processes.

PPP Senator Sherry Rehman, speaking in a press conference, clarified that the PPP had not supported any delay in the general elections, aligning with the party’s stance on timely elections. Rehman highlighted that the resolution, passed with few Senators present, lacked legal status and did not represent the Senate’s will due to a lack of quorum.

PTI’s Barrister Gohar Khan asserted that the resolution had no legal or binding force in the constitutional process of holding general elections, urging the Supreme Court to enforce its orders and observations regarding the February 8 elections.

Read more: Resolution passes in Senate to delay Feb 8 Elections

PML-N’s Javed Latif opposed the desire to delay the elections, emphasizing that the party would not allow any delay even for a moment. Jamaat-i-Islami emir Sirajul Haq called the resolution “a conspiracy against the country and democracy.”

Legal experts criticized the resolution as unconstitutional and improper, violating various constitutional articles and provisions mandating the timely holding of elections. They emphasized the importance of adhering to the Constitution and expressed concerns about the heightened uncertainty caused by such resolutions in a nation in need of political clarity.

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The resolution, deemed a surprise by many, has triggered calls for adherence to constitutional processes and the Supreme Court’s orders regarding the scheduled elections on February 8. The controversy underscores the challenges and debates surrounding the electoral process in Pakistan.