A resolution seeking to delay the February 8 general election passed by the Senate on Friday has been met with condemnation from politicians and lawyers, who have labeled it a conspiracy against democracy and emphasized the importance of holding the polls on time.
The non-binding resolution, presented by independent Senator Dilawar Khan, was passed during a session attended by only 15 lawmakers, despite the Upper House of Parliament having a total of 100 members.
Senator Taj Haider of the PPP strongly criticized the resolution, describing it as a conspiracy against democracy and accusing Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani of playing a role in the alleged conspiracy. Haider claimed that the resolution was not on the day’s agenda and announced that a motion would be put forward to reject it.
PPP’s Naveed Qamar also expressed strong condemnation, stating that his party firmly believes in the Constitution and the electoral process, implying that the elections should proceed as scheduled.
Furthermore, at a press conference in Karachi, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman reiterated the party’s stance on timely elections, emphasizing that the party did not support any delay. She clarified that no senior PPP leader was present in the Senate when the resolution was passed, and it did not bear any party leader’s signatures. Rehman stressed that although the country was facing challenging times, the Constitution, the law, and the Supreme Court’s orders must be respected.
Similarly, PTI’s Barrister Gohar Khan dismissed the resolution as having no legal or binding force in the constitutional process of holding general elections. PTI leader Taimur Jhagra expressed shock and disgrace over the resolution’s passage, reiterating the party’s determination not to tolerate any postponement of elections. The PTI requested that the Supreme Court intervene in the matter.
Javed Latif of the PML-N firmly opposed the resolution, stating that the desire to postpone the elections would not be fulfilled, and the party stood against such a move. Jamaat-i-Islami emir Sirajul Haq also criticized the resolution, describing it as a conspiracy against the country and democracy. He emphasized that people should not be deprived of their fundamental right to choose their representatives through transparent elections.
The passing of the resolution came as a surprise to many, with analysts predicting such a development. Arifa Noor, a commentator, acknowledged the lack of clarity regarding the resolution’s significance.
Legal experts also chimed in, rejecting the worth of the resolution due to the lack of quorum. They emphasized that the elections would proceed as planned on February 8, in line with the Supreme Court’s order.
With the controversy surrounding the resolution, it was dubbed as unconstitutional and a violation of both constitutional articles and provisions dictating the timing of elections. Critics found the resolution to be contradictory, as the same senators who supported military trials for civilians were now advocating for election delays.
In conclusion, the resolution passed by the Senate to delay the February 8 elections has drawn strong condemnation from various political figures and lawyers who perceive it as an affront to democracy. Despite the resolution being non-binding, its passage has raised concerns and calls for the elections to proceed on schedule. The consensus among politicians and legal experts is that the resolution lacks legal significance, and the Supreme Court’s order for timely elections must be upheld.
