ISLAMABAD - The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has failed to break its silence over the Presidential Ordinance promulgated by the government to pave way for open balloting in the upcoming Senate elections. The Commission despite its legal and constitutional responsibilities is yet to give its version on the Presidential Ordinance regarding the open balloting in the Senate elections.

However, sources within ECP revealed that the Commission will disclose its version over the Presidential Ordinance promulgated by the Imran Khan government after the awaited decision of the Supreme Court over the matter. The sources further said that the Commission will fulfill its constitutional responsibilities and will take measures for upcoming Senate elections in the light of the final decision of the apex court. The sources further revealed that final date for the upcoming Senate elections is likely to be delayed as compared to last year as the matter was still in the Court and SC was yet to announce the final verdict in the case. Meanwhile, the ECP will announce the date for the Senate elections on February 11 and the distribution of the nomination papers has already been started.

ECP will announce date for Senate elections on February 11

On the other hand a senior official of ECP told The Nation that the Commission was very clear about its legal and constitutional responsibilities and will hold the Senate elections as per the rules and law.

The official further stated that the Commission will inform the media of its version once the apex court announces its verdict on the matter; adding that the Commission was constitutionally an autonomous body and was committed to perform all its duties and tasks without taking any pressure from any external force.

It must be noted that the Commission has been under huge criticism for its silence over the Presidential Ordinance promulgated by the incumbent government in order to pave way for the open balloting in the senate elections.