Punjab elections schedule announced by ECP

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday announced the election schedule for Punjab, which will take place on April 30.

This announcement puts an end to the months-long political drama surrounding the general elections in the province. After the Supreme Court ruled that the elections for the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies should be held within the allotted 90 days, President Alvi already set April 30 (Sunday) as the date for those elections in Punjab. In the event of any practical difficulties, the top court had permitted the ECP to propose a poll date that deviates from the 90-day deadline by the “bare minimum.” As a result, consultations were held before April 30 was decided.

In the event of any practical difficulties, the top court had permitted the ECP to propose a poll date that deviates from the 90-day deadline by the “bare minimum.” As a result, consultations were held before April 30 was decided.

“In pursuance of the dissolution of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab on 14th January 2023 and Order dated 1st March 2023 passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of Pakistan in Suo Motu Case No. 1 of 2023, Constitution Petition No.1 of 2023 and Constitution Petition No.2 of 2023 and announcement of date by the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as 30th April 2023, the Election Commission of Pakistan in terms of Article 224(2) and 254 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan read with Section 57(2) of the Elections Act, 2017 (Act No. XXXIII of 2017) and all other powers enabling it in the behalf, hereby call upon the electors of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab constituencies to elect their representative from each of these constituencies to the general seats,” the ECP notification read.