Mehmood Achakzai’s bid to postpone the presidential election is denied by the ECP
The commission stated in a 10-page written decision that Achakzai did not protest when the nomination papers were being reviewed and that the electoral college is ready for the presidential election.
The candidate for president who has the support of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), Mehmood Khan Achakzai, requested Wednesday that the poll be postponed because the electoral college is “incomplete.
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Achakzai said that the electoral college for a presidential election was “still incomplete” in a letter to the top election commissioner.
“To date, no one has been elected to those reserved seats. In the event that the presidential election is held in accordance with the schedule, this would amount to a denial of their votes, which is in violation of the law, the constitution, and fundamental rights,” the letter said.
“In light of the aforementioned circumstances, it is hereby submitted that the proposed election for the office of President of Pakistan is manifestly impracticable. Consequently, it is requested that the election be postponed or delayed until the conclusion of the electoral college in the interests of justice, fair play, and equity.”
It is important to note that polls are now being conducted for the election of Pakistan’s 14th president, which will take place today in the Senate, national assembly, and province assemblies.
As per the agreement made during the February 8 elections, the eight-party coalition led by the PML-N is supporting former president Asif Zardari, while the PTI-Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) alliance is fielding nationalist leader Mahmood Achakzai as their candidate.
The Senate, National Assembly, and four provincial assemblies’ members make up the electoral college that chooses the president.
PPP co-chair Asif Ali Zardari is expected to win a majority in the Senate and all assemblies and become Pakistan’s second elected president.