ECP defers national, provincial assemblies' by-elections until Jan 31, 2021

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has deferred the by-elections of the national and provincial assemblies until January 31, 2021, it announced Tuesday following a meeting held earlier today and chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja.

The ECP's decision came on the back of a recommendation made by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), which would now review the situation regarding the by-elections on December 31, 2020.

The by-elections were to be held for two seats in the National Assembly and six in the provincial assemblies.

The national election body expressed concern over the wide gap between male and female voters, observing that it was more than 10% in some urban areas and noting that it would be examined from every angle.

It sought suggestions to reduce the gap between male and female voters.

In the announcement, the ECP underlined that it was considering electronic voting machine, biometric machine, and i-voting. It was crucial to consider the implications of voting before making a decision, it remarked in this regard, adding that haste could affect the election results.

The ECP's pilot reports should be discussed in the Parliament, which, it reasoned, would help lead to an appropriate decision.

In addition, the ECP also announced its decision to hold elections on the vacant position of Islamabad's mayor, directing the relevant schedule be issued.