PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has submitted its concerns to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) regarding the party-based LG [Local government] polls after which the ECP sought time for taking final decision.
Similarly, consultations have also begun on challenging the Peshawar High Court’s (PHC) judgment in the Supreme Court.
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A four-member special committee of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet met election commission officials in Islamabad yesterday. Briefing the media after meeting, Information Minister Kamran Khan Bangash said that he had presented KP government position before the Election Commission.
“We have expressed the determination that we are serious about holding LG polls on time,” Bangash said while addressing a press conference. “We have completed necessary legislation and groundwork.” Bangash said that he had appealed to the Election Commission and informed it of the KP government concerns regarding LG polls in 17 districts on party bases. “We have also informed the Election Commission about the situation and further amendments required in the law for Party-based LG polls.”
Kamran Bangash said that the verdict of the High Court will be challenged in the Supreme Court after the ECP clear its position. According to Bangash, the Election Commission has asked the KP government for time to re-examine the situation. He said that after the response of the ECP the KP government will decide whether to challenge the high court verdict in Supreme Court or not.
On the other hand, the Election Commission has changed the schedule of LG elections in 17 districts, but polling will take place on December 19. According to the revised schedule issued, local body elections will be held in 17 districts of Buner, Bajaur, Mardan, Swabi, Peshawar, Nowshera, Kohat, Karak, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Tank, Haripur, Khyber, Mohmand, Charsadda, Hangu.
Candidates in these districts will now be able to submit their papers to the Returning Officers till November 10. The ECP has also sent a letter to all the Returning Officers stating that now the Village and Neighborhood Councils Elections will be held on party basis. The Election Commission has directed that now all Returning Officers will receive nominations on but the candidate will also be submitting party names on the nomination papers. Similarly, candidates will submit party tickets after which the Returning Officers will allot them party symbols.