The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has ended a consultation on demands to postpone the 2018 general elections, which it has categorically rejected.
The commission's officials highlighted that the precise grounds for the postponement were not sufficiently addressed.
According to election commission officials, the cold weather argument is invalid since there is no convincing evidence of harsh weather impacting the majority of the country. Furthermore, the security situation has been considered good, easing fears.
The ECP remained resolute in its determination to hold the polls on February 8, denying the notion that blaming a postponement on cold weather is justified.
Many applications submitted to the Election Commission of Pakistan demanding a postponement cited both cold temperatures and security concerns as factors.
This judgment demonstrates the election commission's commitment to ensuring that the electoral process runs as planned, taking into account reasonable concerns such as weather and security.
The ECP's attitude as the country prepares for the next elections demonstrates a careful balance between alleviating concerns and upholding the democratic schedule.
The Ministry of Finance allocated Rs 17.4 billion to the ECP for the general elections on December 5.
The Finance Division issued a statement saying, "Finance Division has released Rs 17.4 billion to the ECP in addition to Rs 10 billion released in July 2023 for the conduct of general elections in the country."