Only ECP's 'helplessness' can delay elections, declares CJP Nisar

ISLAMABAD - Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar reiterated on Monday that the general elections would surely be held on time unless the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) becomes 'helpless' in this regard.

During the hearing of a case regarding electoral amendments filed by the Workers Party, the top judge remarked that all matters pertaining to general elections must be completed on an urgent basis.

The petitioner's lawyer maintained that the apex court had already announced a verdict on electoral reforms in 2012.

On the occasion, the Director-general of Election Commission Pakistan (ECP) argued that the code of conduct was formed with consensus by all political parties in Election Act 2017.

The ECP official informed the court that a new code of conduct for General Elections 2018 was formed after Election Act 2017 was passed.

https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/headline/elections-will-be-held-on-july-25-at-any-cost-sc-suspends-nullification-of-nomination-papers-by-lhc/

The top judge then summoned a response from ECP on the code of conduct and noted that the new code of conduct will be compared to its previous issue.

Earlier, on Saturday, the Lahore High Court had nullified nomination forms of electoral candidates for the upcoming general elections.

The ruling had created the possibility of a delay in the elections after the court ordered the ECP to incorporate the requirements of Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution in the nomination papers.

The Supreme Court on Sunday suspended nullification of nomination papers by Lahore High Court’s (LHC), with the top judge asserting that elections would be conducted on time, as scheduled on July 25th.