📷 Image Credits: DAWN.com
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has defended its decision to deny reserved seats for the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) in a case being heard by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The ECP justified its stance by stating that the SIC did not meet the eligibility criteria for reserved seats due to the party not being considered a political party under constitutional provisions. The ECP highlighted that the SIC’s constitution restricts membership to adult Muslims only, which violates certain Articles of the Constitution pertaining to equality and representation. As a result, the ECP argued that the SIC is not entitled to reserved seats, especially for women and non-Muslims.
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, is set to hear the SIC’s challenge to the Peshawar High Court’s verdict on the matter. The ECP further emphasized that the SIC did not fulfill additional criteria, such as having at least one candidate elected on a general seat under a common election symbol. The commission asserted that parties solely comprised of independent candidates, not affiliated with recognized parties, do not qualify for reserved seats as per constitutional guidelines.
Additionally, the ECP clarified that the Constitution and Elections Act 2017 recognize only three classes of contesting candidates in general elections: those running under a common election symbol, independent candidates, and candidates contesting for reserved seats. Any deviation from these classifications is not accommodated within the established electoral framework. The ECP reaffirmed its decision to deny reserved seats to the SIC, citing adherence to constitutional provisions and electoral rules.
In response to the SIC’s plea, the ECP maintained that the party’s failure to submit required documentation and meet eligibility standards resulted in the correct decision to deny reserved seats. The Supreme Court will review the arguments presented by the ECP and the SIC, shaping the outcome of the dispute over reserved seats in the Pakistani political landscape.
