CEC Raja Accuses Federal Government of Sabotaging Islamabad LG Elections

ISLAMABAD: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja has accused the federal government of attempting to sabotage the upcoming local government elections in Islamabad, asserting that the polls will proceed as scheduled on December 20.

Raja’s remarks came during a hearing by a three-member bench of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), which is grappling with allegations of electoral code violations in the recent NA-77 by-election. He emphasized that the ECP has faced significant delays in conducting local elections, which were originally due within 120 days after the last term expired in February 2021. The federal government and the ECP have engaged in repeated delimitations and postponements, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

The implications of these accusations are profound, as they highlight ongoing tensions between the ECP and the federal government, potentially undermining public trust in the electoral system. Citizens are left questioning the motives behind the delays and the government’s commitment to democratic processes, especially in light of the critical need for local governance.

Looking ahead, the ECP is expected to maintain its schedule for the elections despite the allegations. The commission’s ability to conduct free and fair elections will be closely monitored, with further hearings and discussions anticipated in the coming weeks as the political landscape continues to evolve.