ECP responds to criticism against postponement of Sindh LG polls

ECP, Sindh LG polls, heavy rains

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has responded to the criticism against the postponement of the Sindh local government (LG) polls due to the predictions of heavy rainfall in Karachi and Hyderabad, ARY News reported on Sunday.

The ECP spokesperson said that the institution was criticised for taking right decision at the right time. The time has proved ECP’s decision right.

On July 20, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had rescheduled the second phase of the Sindh local government (LG) elections citing “possible rains and bad weather” in the province.

READ: HEAVY RAINS: PUBLIC HOLIDAY ANNOUNCED IN KARACHI, HYDERABAD

According to a statement issued by the electoral watchdog, the second phase of the LG elections in 16 districts of Karachi and Hyderabad will now take place on August 28.

Meanwhile, the by-election for NA-245 (Karachi East-IV) was also rescheduled for August 21 due to weather conditions and Muharram. The seat had fallen vacant following the demise of PTI MNA Dr Aamir Liaquat Hussain.

READ: KARACHI: WHICH AREAS RECORDED MOST RAINFALL?

A meeting chaired by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) reviewed the different applications they had received for the postponement of the second phase of the local body elections and NA-245 by-polls.

The applications had requested that the polls be held after Muharram. The meeting had also reviewed the reports submitted by the Met Office, Sindh’s chief secretary and provincial election commissioner.

The second phase of the local body elections was originally going to be held on July 24 in 16 districts of Karachi and Hyderabad division. The by-polls on the NA-245 were scheduled to take place on July 27.



from ARY NEWS https://ift.tt/0rJyROd