ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has officially announced that the general elections in the country will take place on February 11, 2024. This information was conveyed to the Supreme Court during a hearing involving petitions advocating for timely elections.
The ECP's lawyer, Sajeel Swati, informed the court that the elections would follow the completion of delimitation on November 30. All necessary preparations, including delimitation, are expected to conclude by January 29. Swati explained that issuing the final lists after delimitation would take three to five days. By counting 54 days from December 5, they arrive at the January 29 date.
The ECP is planning to hold the elections on a Sunday to facilitate greater public participation, with February 11 being the chosen date. Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa emphasized the Supreme Court's commitment to ensuring that the election date remains unchanged.
The court temporarily adjourned the case and, upon resumption, the ECP lawyer expressed their willingness to consult with President Arif Alvi without engaging in a constitutional debate. The Chief Justice instructed the attorney general to facilitate a meeting between the ECP and the president, with hopes that a mutually agreeable date would be established. The court expects that any issues will be resolved during this meeting, and the Supreme Court will be briefed afterward. The court further directed that the president and all relevant parties sign the document, with a commitment to addressing any problems that may arise.
