ISLAMABAD: In a seven-page verdict issued today, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has signalled to postpone Senate election — which is scheduled to be held on April 2 — amid ongoing issue regarding oath-taking on reserved seats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on Thursday issued the seven-page verdict on application regarding issuance of orders for adminitering of oaths to the lawmakers and suspension of Senate poll till the administration of oaths to the extent of KP province.
Right to vote is a fundamental right and no voter cannot be deprived of this fundamental right, read the verdict, adding that the commission has ample power to issue such directions and make such consequential orders to ensure that election is conducted honestly, justly, fairly and in accordance with law.
“Therefore, in case of non compliance of directions and order issued under Article 218(3) read with Section 4(1) and Section 8(c) of the Act, the Commission may in addition to any other action may extend the time for completion of the Senate election to the extent of the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa till the administration of oath to members of the Provincial Assembly against the including the applicants,” it added.