Asif Ali Zardari, the president of Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP), has shifted his party’s position regarding the timing of elections.
He now asserts that it’s essential to complete the delimitation exercise before holding polls. Zardari underlines the responsibility of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to redraw constituency boundaries following a fresh census. He expresses confidence in the chief election commissioner and ECP members.
This change in stance by Asif Zardari occurred shortly after his son, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, also displayed flexibility regarding the party’s previous demand for elections within 90 days. Bilawal suggested extending the timeframe to 120 days if necessary.
Also Read: PPP’s stance on delaying General Elections
In contrast, the PMLN leadership appears amenable to holding elections in January or February of the following year.
Aside from discussing the election timeline, Asif Zardari addressed the pressing issue of Pakistan’s declining economy. He urges prioritizing the economy over politics, given the nation’s current economic crisis. Zardari emphasizes the need for the caretaker government to expedite projects under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to set Pakistan on a developmental path. The SIFC aims to attract foreign investment and revive the economy, reducing reliance on foreign bailouts.
The debate over the election timeline has generated discussions among various stakeholders, including President Dr. Arif Alvi, political parties, lawyers, and think tanks. The focal point of this debate is whether elections should occur within 90 days or be delayed until the delimitation process concludes. The previous government’s decision to dissolve the National Assembly has prompted these discussions, causing uncertainty around the election schedule.
