The federal government is not issuing the gazette notification for the new population census, even though a report based on its results has been fully prepared. Therefore, the upcoming general elections may be affected by the constitutional crisis.
The main purpose of the government to prevent notification on the papulation census is to gain the political advantage as at present the newly registered vote of youth may go in favour of PTI
The results and report of the new population census would be reviewed in the meeting which is expected to be convened before the current government’s tenure ends. Provincial governments will present their positions on the census results, and the acceptance of the report by the Council of Common Interests is possible in this meeting.
The government cannot amend the constitution as it has not two-third majority in the parliament for increasing the numbers of seats in the assemblies.
Therefore, the decision to issue the gazette notification for the new population census will be made after the Council of Common Interests’ report and decision. The CCI will also decide whether to hold elections based on the old constituency delimitations.
The Election Commission of Pakistan has decided to hold general elections only in the old constituencies.
If the results of the new population census are officially gazetted, then under the Constitution, the Election Commission will be authorized to carry out delimitations of new constituencies, which would require about four and a half months. If the National Assembly and both provincial assemblies complete their terms before October 11, elections will be held before that date.
The Election Commission of Pakistan had given more than 60 recommendations to the Electoral Reforms Committee, and according to information, all the recommendations have been accepted by the Election Commission of Pakistan.
The approval of the constitutional reforms is awaited, and it is possible that the President as head of the state will send the bill for electoral reforms to the National Assembly before the dissolution.
The constitutional term of two out of four provincial assemblies, including the National Assembly, will end on August 12, 2023. In this case, according to Article 224(1) of the Constitution, elections will be held by October 12.
In case the National Assembly and both provincial assemblies are dissolved prematurely, elections under Article 224 and 224 (A) of the Constitution will be held within 90 days.