ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has postponed the by-election for a Senate seat from Punjab, previously scheduled for Dec 9, citing ongoing activities for 12 National and provincial assembly by-polls. The seat became vacant following the death of PML-N parliamentary leader Irfanul Haque Siddiqui on Nov 10.
A notification issued on Wednesday amended the election schedule, moving key dates for nominations, scrutiny, and withdrawal. Nomination papers will now be filed on Dec 4-5, appeals against decisions on nominations by Nov 29, and polling has been rescheduled for Dec 24, nearly two weeks later than the original timeline. Critics argue the delay violates the constitutional requirement under Article 224(5), which mandates that Senate vacancies be filled within 30 days.
Read More: Senate election on Irfan Siddiqui seat on December 9
A senior ECP official defended the move, citing Section 128 of the Elections Act, which allows the commission to extend election timelines for sufficient reasons. He also referenced Article 254 of the Constitution, which validates acts done beyond prescribed periods. However, he could not clarify how simultaneous by-polls justified postponing the Senate election where only provincial assembly members vote.
Political observers allege the delay favors the PML-N, giving the party more time to select its candidate, while critics insist there was no compelling reason to defer the Senate election alongside other by-elections. The ECP notification is still not available on its official website, raising further concerns about transparency.
Read More: Senate by-election underway in KP Assembly
The revised schedule for the Senate by-election now places scrutiny of nomination papers on Nov 25, appeals by Nov 29, withdrawals by Dec 1, and polling on Dec 24, extending the overall process by more than two weeks.