ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission has submitted its report regarding Punjab elections in the Supreme Court, stating that general elections in Punjab are becoming difficult in absence of the required funds and security personnel on time. The ECP suggested that it is appropriate to conduct all elections at the same date.
According to the contents of the report, after careful consideration of all issues related to the elections and keeping in view the ground realities, the Election Commission had set the date of October 8th for polling in Punjab.
The report stated that the Election Commission believes that if this approach is not adopted, anarchy will spread in the country. According to the report, the number of policemen available for elections in Punjab is 81,050 while 466,000 security forces are required. The report stated that the police and other security agencies are engaged in operations. The Election Commission stated in its report that it is not surprising that the expenses are higher in comparison to having the election on one day. Security forces movements are also included in the expenses incurred for the election.
According to the report, the possibility of violence increases with the holding of elections in different stages, and a group that loses in one constituency may resort to violence in another. The possibilities of the results being affected in the later stages also increase.
The Election Commission’s stance is that holding elections in different stages increases the chances of attacks by troublemakers. The report mentioned that the 1970 and 1977 elections were held in stages.
The contents of the report also mentioned that the Election Commission has been consulting with the political parties in this regard.
