The ECP today held a meeting to review the progress relating to arrangements being made for general election to be held on 11th May, 2013
Islamabad the 2nd May, 2013- The ECP today held a meeting to review the progress relating to arrangements being made for general election to be held on 11th May, 2013. Before commencing its formal deliberation on the agenda of the meeting, the Commission considered the news published in a section of Press captioned “Crises Cell placed at ECP’s disposal” according to which the caretaker government has placed National Crises Management Cell presently working under the Ministry of Interior, at the disposal of ECP. Reacting to this news, the Election Commission observed that it is now well-settled that the maintenance of law and order is exclusively the responsibility of the Provincial Government concerned. The Commission further observed that all executive authorities in the Federation and Provinces are under obligation to provide assistance to the ECP including provision of adequate security at the polling stations for the peaceful conduct of national elections being held on 11th May, 2013. The Commission noted that in recent order dated 30-04-2013 passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Workers Party Pakistan’s case has observed as under:-
“………… However, we have noticed that the Executives who are bound to assist the ECP for holding honest, free and fair general elections are required to ensure protection to the life and property of the citizens, voters and candidates throughout the country because a peaceful and congenial atmosphere persuades the voters, citizens and the candidates to show their full participation in the process of general elections throughout the country. There are certain areas where the life and property of the citizens, voters and the candidates, prima facie, seem to be not protected, as has been reported in the media about the incidents of bomb explosions, suicides and murders, etc. Therefore, we direct to the Chief Secretaries of the Provinces and the Chief Commissioner, ICT to ensure complete control of law and order situation throughout the country so the process of the general elections is completed peacefully.”
2. Thus, the Commission is of the considered view that the maintenance of law and order and provision of security during an election is the responsibility of the executive and such responsibility cannot be entrusted to the ECP.