Free and fair polls not possible in presence of incumbent CECP: SHCBA

The Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA) on Tuesday asserted the crucial need for the general elections to proceed as planned on February 8, 2024, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.   

In a statement issued on Tuesday, it emphasized the necessity for all political parties and independent candidates to be given a level playing field and equal opportunities, ensuring transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

However, the SHBA expressed its concern over the conduct of the Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan (CECP) Dr Sikander Sultan Raja regarding election procedures, delimitations, and seat allocations.

It highlighted the growing perception that in the presence of the incumbent CECP, elections cannot be conducted freely and transparently.

A glaring example is that District Rawalpindi has been allocated an additional seat despite its lower population.

The conduct of the CECP raises serious doubts about the integrity of the general elections, presenting an environment that appears to lack transparency and fair play, it added.

 In light of these circumstances, the SHCBA fully supports the concerns raised by the Pakistan Bar Council.

 The aim is to ensure the cause of free, fair, and transparent general elections which is not possible in the presence of incumbent CECP, reiterated.   

It alleged that CECP has different codes for every political party or individual(s).