The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has sought guidance from the Supreme Court (SC) due to difficulties in implementing the reserved seats verdict, which declared Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) eligible for reserved seats in the national and provincial assemblies. The ECP’s plea to the SC’s registrar highlights the challenges in confirming statements of MNAs and MPAs, as PTI lacks an organizational structure, a statutory obligation for enlisted political parties. This lack of structure has created uncertainty, prompting the ECP to request clarification on legal points related to the implementation of the verdict.
The ECP’s difficulties stem from the fact that PTI’s organizational structure is not in line with the requirements of the Elections Act, 2017. As a result, the party is unable to confirm the statements of its MNAs and MPAs, which is a necessary step in the allocation of reserved seats. The ECP has sought guidance from the SC to ensure that the implementation of the verdict is carried out in accordance with the law and the Constitution. The SC’s previous order had directed the ECP to implement the verdict, but the ECP’s plea highlights the need for further clarification to resolve the implementation issues.
The development has significant implications for the political landscape of Pakistan, as the allocation of reserved seats can impact the balance of power in the national and provincial assemblies. The ECP’s decision to seek guidance from the SC demonstrates its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the electoral process is conducted in a fair and transparent manner. The SC’s response to the ECP’s plea is eagerly awaited, as it will provide clarity on the implementation of the reserved seats verdict and its impact on the political landscape of Pakistan.
