Holding of Local Bodies Elections in Cantonment Boards.
Islamabad, the 10th September, 2013.
A meeting of the Election Commission of Pakistan, presided over by Mr. Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani, Hon’ble Acting Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan and attended by the DG Military Land & Cantonment Department, representatives of Ministry of Defence, NADRA, Provincial Election Commissioners and senior officers of the Election Commission, was held in ECP Secretariat, Islamabad today at 11.30 AM. The meeting reviewed the arrangement so far made by the ECP in collaboration with Cantonment Authorities for the holding of Local Bodies’ Elections in Cantonment Boards.
2. After due discussion and deliberations, the following decisions were taken:
1. The elections will be held in 42 Cantonment Boards out of 43. As regards Ormara Cantonment, considering the issues regarding census blocks and electoral rolls and the fact that unless these issues are resolved, election cannot be held, the Commission directed constitution of a Committee under the Chairmanship of Provincial Election Commissioner, Balochistan and comprising the following as Members:
1. Secretary, Board of Revenue, Balochistan.
2. Secretary, Local Government Deptt., Balochistan
3. Deputy Commissioner, Gwadar
4. A nominee of Ministry of Defence, Islamabad.
5. Director (ML&C) Quetta.
6. Chief Executive Officer, Ormara Cantt., District Gwadar
7. Representative of Census Organization
2. Since a commitment was made on behalf of Ministry of Defence to complete the process of Local Bodies Elections in Cantonment Boards by 15.9.2013, it was decided that the said Ministry will move an application through learned Attorney General for Pakistan by tomorrow i.e. 11.09.2013, whereby the said Ministry will apprise the Hon’ble Apex Court about the arrangements made and steps taken by both the organizations i.e. ECP and Cantonment Authorities in connection with conduct of elections in Cantonment Boards and will make a request for extension in time for holding the elections in the first week of November, 2013.
3. It was informed that Ministry of Defence sent a draft Cantonment (Amendment) Ordinance, 2013 on 16.8.2013 and according to the latest information received, the Prime Minister of Pakistan has advised the President and the summary containing the advice has been sent to the President of Pakistan for approval and promulgation of the Cantonment (Amendment) Ordinance, 2013.
4. The draft proposals for delimitation of wards for cantonment Boards’ elections were published in the newspapers inviting objections/ suggestions by the Delimitation Officer/ Chief Executive Officer of each Cantt. Board.
5. The objections/suggestions received from general public in response thereto will be placed before the Appellate Authorities/ District & Sessions Judge of each concerned district for hearing and disposal in accordance with law and the exercise will hopefully be completed by 20th September, 2013.
6. The Election Commission directed NADRA to ensure data entry of applications filed under section 18 of the Electoral Rolls Act for enrolment of votes and priority will be given to applications made from the cantonment areas.