https://sputniknews.in/20231026/alarm-raised-as-pakistans-general-elections-face-delays-5084885.html
Alarm Raised as Pakistan's General Elections Face Delays
Alarm Raised as Pakistan's General Elections Face Delays
Sputnik India
President Arif Alvi said on Wednesday that he did not believe elections would be held in the country in January 2024 as a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the electoral process.
2023-10-26T18:59+0530
2023-10-26T18:59+0530
2023-10-26T18:59+0530
pakistan
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In an interview with Geo News, Pakistan's President Dr Arif Alvi, when asked if he thought elections would be held in the last week of January, said: "No, I do not think [elections would be held in the last week of January], but since the Supreme Court has taken up the matter, I think it would give a very reasonable verdict.As January is just around the corner, Pakistan is gearing up for a pivotal moment in its democratic history: the general elections scheduled for early next year.However, some politicians are expressing concerns that these much-anticipated polls may face delays.The statement came as a veiled reference to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who returned to Pakistan earlier this week after residing in London since 2019.Pakistan's Caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, has given his reassurance to political stakeholders regarding the provision of a "level-playing field" for all parties and their candidates in the upcoming elections. However, President Alvi emphasized the importance of engaging with the masses and understanding their sentiments for the future of the country.He called on political stakeholders in the country to forgive one another and move forward for the sake of the country.Election Fever Sweeps PakistanThe period leading up to the general elections in Pakistan is always full of life and enthusiasm. Political parties from various backgrounds engage in an energetic campaign, appealing to diverse groups of people. The passionate electorate truly embodies the essence of Pakistan's democracy.A former high-ranking diplomat and political observer based in Islamabad has pointed out that the forthcoming elections fail to live up to the expectations in terms of excitement and appeal.Low foreign exchange reserves, a depreciating currency and high inflation have contributed to Pakistan's economic crisis. Last year's devastating monsoon floods left a third of the country under water for weeks, destroying crops and displacing millions of people.Why the Election Delay?In recent months, several prominent politicians and political analysts have raised concerns about the possibility of election delays. While the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has maintained that the elections will go ahead as scheduled in January, a cloud of uncertainty continues to hang over the process.Several factors have contributed to these concerns, the diplomat said.One crucial aspect to consider is the present security scenario in Pakistan. The country has been consistently facing and overcoming security challenges, with certain regions, notably Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, still grappling with ongoing unrest and terrorism.Moreover, the economic turmoil in the country is also playing a big role in the political uncertainty.Pakistan is navigating economic challenges, including unprecedented inflation and fiscal instability. Some argue that stabilising the economy before going to the polls is essential to ensure a well-informed electorate, while others believe that only political stability will bring economic progress.The ambiguity of electoral laws and regulations is another point of contention. Political observers argue that clarity in these laws is necessary to prevent legal disputes and ensure a smooth electoral process.The caretaker government has responded to these concerns by asserting its commitment to holding the elections on time and addressing the issues raised by stakeholders. Political observers argue that many of these issues can be resolved through national consensus and dialogue, but for now Pakistan appears to be at a crossroads.While the uncertainty surrounding the possible delay of the elections continues, it is imperative that all stakeholders engage in constructive dialogue and seek common ground.
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alarm raised as pakistan's general elections face delays, general elections in pakistan, president arif alvi, electoral process, pakistani electoral process, bilawal bhutto-zardari, former prime minister nawaz sharif, imran khan
alarm raised as pakistan's general elections face delays, general elections in pakistan, president arif alvi, electoral process, pakistani electoral process, bilawal bhutto-zardari, former prime minister nawaz sharif, imran khan
Alarm Raised as Pakistan's General Elections Face Delays
President Arif Alvi said on Wednesday that he did not believe elections would be held in the country in January 2024 as a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the electoral process.
In an interview with Geo News, Pakistan's President Dr Arif Alvi, when asked if he thought elections would be held in the last week of January, said: "No, I do not think [elections would be held in the last week of January], but since the Supreme Court has taken up the matter, I think it would give a very reasonable verdict.
As January is just around the corner, Pakistan is gearing up for a pivotal moment in its democratic history: the general elections scheduled for early next year.
However, some politicians are expressing concerns that these much-anticipated polls may face delays.
Last week Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chief and ex-Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that the country's democracy, elections, and constitution have been stalled “for the return of one person”.
The statement came as a veiled reference to former Prime Minister
Nawaz Sharif, who returned to Pakistan earlier this week after residing in London since 2019.
Pakistan's Caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, has given his reassurance to political stakeholders regarding the provision of a "level-playing field" for all parties and their candidates in the upcoming elections. However, President Alvi emphasized the importance of engaging with the masses and understanding their sentiments for the future of the country.
"They [the masses] should be assured that the elections will be fair and credible and that everyone will be allowed to participate," the president said.
He called on
political stakeholders in the country to forgive one another and move forward for the sake of the country.
"It is time to unite the country. Forgiveness makes nations," said Alvi. "And if there is no sense of forgiveness, you can't even unite a family or a brother with his sister."
Election Fever Sweeps Pakistan
The period leading up to the general elections in Pakistan is always full of life and enthusiasm. Political parties from various backgrounds engage in an energetic campaign, appealing to diverse groups of people. The passionate electorate truly embodies the essence of Pakistan's democracy.
A former high-ranking diplomat and political observer based in Islamabad has pointed out that the forthcoming elections fail to live up to the expectations in terms of excitement and appeal.
"The stakes are always high as political parties engage in intense campaigning, rallying their supporters and outlining their visions for the nation. These elections are particularly significant as the country is struggling economically. So these elections will determine the future leadership and direction of the country," said the diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Low foreign exchange reserves, a
depreciating currency and high inflation have contributed to Pakistan's economic crisis. Last year's devastating monsoon floods left a third of the country under water for weeks, destroying crops and displacing millions of people.
"But I must stress that these elections do not have the same excitement as previous ones because most of the members of Pakistan's leading political party, the PTI, including its leader, Imran Khan, are in jail. Meanwhile, other parties are in a political tug-of-war with each other and lack a prominent leader for people to vote for," he added.
In recent months, several prominent politicians and political analysts have raised concerns about the possibility of election delays. While the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has maintained that the elections will go ahead as scheduled in January, a cloud of uncertainty continues to hang over the process.
Several factors have contributed to these concerns, the diplomat said.
"A key issue raised by many politicians is the need for comprehensive electoral reforms. They argue that Pakistan's current electoral system is riddled with loopholes, including allegations of vote rigging and manipulation. There's a growing consensus that these issues should be addressed before elections are held to ensure transparency and fairness," the analyst told Sputnik India.
One crucial aspect to consider is the present security scenario in Pakistan. The country has been consistently facing and overcoming security challenges, with certain regions, notably Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, still grappling with ongoing unrest and terrorism.
"The government must ensure the security of voters and candidates if the elections are to be held in January. Maintaining a peaceful electoral environment is of paramount importance," he added.
Moreover, the economic turmoil in the country is also playing a big role in the political uncertainty.
Pakistan is navigating
economic challenges, including unprecedented inflation and fiscal instability. Some argue that stabilising the economy before going to the polls is essential to ensure a well-informed electorate, while others believe that only political stability will bring economic progress.
The ambiguity of electoral laws and regulations is another point of contention. Political observers argue that clarity in these laws is necessary to prevent legal disputes and ensure a smooth electoral process.
The caretaker government has responded to these concerns by asserting its commitment to holding the elections on time and addressing the issues raised by stakeholders. Political observers argue that many of these issues can be resolved through national consensus and dialogue, but for now Pakistan appears to be at a crossroads.
While the uncertainty surrounding the possible delay of the elections continues, it is imperative that all stakeholders engage in constructive dialogue and seek common ground.
"Ensuring a timely, transparent and peaceful electoral process is essential to uphold the principles of democracy, navigate this critical juncture and provide Pakistanis with a fair opportunity to exercise their right to vote," the diplomat concluded.
