For the Elections 2023, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari stated strong opposition to any further postponement in the electoral process.
His words come as former PM Nawaz Sharif made to return to Pakistan on October 21 after a four-year exile. Nawaz Sharif arrived in Islamabad and fulfilled legal processes before speaking at a homecoming rally in Lahore.
During an event held by the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan, Bilawal pointed out the importance of having elections without further postponements, without overtly criticizing Nawaz Sharif.
لائیو: سپریم کورٹ بار ایسوسی ایشن آف پاکستان کے تحت دستورِ پاکستان کے 50 برسوں کی تکمیل کی تقریب https://t.co/hl5asUewlC
— Pakistan Peoples Party – PPP (@PPP_Org) October 23, 2023
He said, “Given the events that we witnessed over the weekend, I trust there shall be no further delay.”
“Let us be clear everyone,” Bilawal said strongly “elections delayed are elections denied.”
He urged the Elections Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to issue the poll timetable as soon as possible, emphasizing that the only way forward was to ensure free and fair elections with a level playing field for all candidates.
The PPP had been requesting an election date and schedule since the end of the previous government, but went unheeded.
He stated the people’s inalienable right to hold elections.
Bilawal recalled that the PPP had made genuine attempts earlier this year to engage in political discourse and find an agreement in order to end the impasse over elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said, “Our goal was to reach consensus on elections only for Punjab and KP, but also for general elections.”
Unfortunately, the events of May 9 thwarted these attempts, and we are now where we are.”
These words by Bilawal Bhutto come as the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) escalates its demand for immediate elections and rejects any attempt to extend the election timeline beyond the deadline set by the Election Commission of Pakistan.
Bilawal also emphasized the role of the court in preserving democracy, recognizing that democracy is currently “under threat.” He underlined the importance of defending the Constitution and holding those who want to destroy it accountable.
Bilawal expressed confidence that the judiciary will enable all democratic institutions grow their powers while staying independent. He recalled other occasions in which the judiciary’s behavior in the 2013 and 2018 elections caused worry.
Lastly, Bilawal emphasized the importance of the independence of the court, which is a key principle of a democratic society. However, he expressed concern that this independence had been pushed too far at times.
In his remarks, he stressed that judicial independence should not be confused with independence from accountability.
