ECP Delays Notification of Independent Candidates’ Victories in Pakistan Elections

As Pakistan’s political landscape remains in flux following the recent general elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is yet to officially notify the victory of most independent candidates who secured seats in the National Assembly (NA). According to a report by Dawn on Sunday, concerns have been raised over the delay, especially as these independent candidates play a pivotal role in the formation of the government.

Unofficial results indicate that more than 101 independent candidates have won NA seats, with many of them reportedly backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). However, until Saturday evening, the ECP had only officially notified the victory of eight independent candidates, with an additional 33 notified through a late-night announcement.

The delay in notifying these results has sparked apprehension among voters and stakeholders, particularly amid the ongoing political negotiations for the formation of the government at the center. According to election rules, independent candidates have three days to join a political party after the official notification of their victory. However, despite elections taking place on February 8, the ECP has only notified results for 154 out of 265 NA constituencies, including 41 independents.

The report outlines the procedural requirements for independent candidates to join political parties, emphasizing the need for consent and attestation as per the election rules. Notably, the first independent candidate to be notified, Raja Khurram Nawaz from NA-48 (Islamabad), joined the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) two days before his official notification.

Further notifications included victories of candidates from various parties, including the PTI, PML-N, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), raising questions about the delay in notifying independent candidates’ victories.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, stakeholders await the official notification of independent candidates’ victories, which will significantly influence the power dynamics and formation of the government in Pakistan.