ISLAMABAD:Election Commission (EC) has reserved the decision with reference to Local Bodies (LB) polls.
A five members bench of EC under Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) heard the case on the matter of holding LB polls in KP in Election Commission of Pakistan.
Legal advisor to KP Aamir Javed, secretary local government, special secretary election commission Zafar Iqbal and Arshid Khan appeared before EC.
Special secretary EC told that directives were issued on September 19 to the then government to complete process of legislation. However this process has not been completed so far. Commission can hold the polls in these districts through order where delimitation has been completed. Delimitation has been completed in 23 districts. Schedule for delimitation can be issued in 16 districts.
CEC noted that KP assembly had enhanced the threshold of the population for the constituencies. Earlier under rule the population of one constituency ranged between 5000 to 15000 but this has been increased to 30000 to 40000.
He said either the threshold of the population be decreased or the limits of the union council be changed.
Special secretary Arshid Khan told that election cannot be held where emergency is in place because of law and order situation.
However later he said normal emergency does not make any difference and election is possible. But the problem of safety and security of voters and polling staff can surface up in security threat areas.
CEC said constitution is very clear in regard to LB polls. Commission can issue order if any problem is created under election act.
Giving example he said election has taken place in the world during emergency and war.
He said where delimitation is complete , election can be held therein. People think EC does not want to hold polls while political parties and governments are averting it.
Legal advisor sought time for talks with governor and attorney general .
CEC said if legislation of assembly is not necessary then the commission can see it by itself and election be held where there is possible then the credit will go to existing set up.
EC reserved the decision with reference to LB polls.