THE Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken more steps to ensure the general election is held on the given date of Feb 8, 2024, almost finalizing the delimitation of constituencies and appointing key staff at the regional level. It is reported that the list of the constituencies in the light of fresh delimitation based on the 7th Population and Housing Census 2023 had been compiled and both voters’ list and the list of election symbols finalized.

The stage is now set for the announcement of the election schedule which would give a boost to electoral activities in the country. The ECP has appointed 32 Regional Election Commissioners (RECs) as Regional Monitoring Coordinators (RMCs) to ensure effective monitoring of the 2024 general election, the ECP spokesperson said. The RMCs are expected to play a crucial role in guaranteeing comprehensive monitoring at the division level. They are also responsible for guiding and supervising the monitoring teams within their respective districts during the upcoming general election. On their part, political parties have started holding public meetings and rallies as part of their mass contact strategies and some of them have also started finalizing lists of the prospective candidates. They have also initiated the process of contacting like-minded parties and groups to explore the possibilities of formation of electoral alliances or seat adjustment both for National and Provincial Assemblies. The election process and its outcome might also be affected by the outcome of the court proceedings in respect of cases and appeals of both Imran Khan and Mian Nawaz Sharif. Electoral activities are, no doubt, picking up momentum but regrettably there is no focus on issue-based politics despite the fact that the country was passing through intense economic challenges and people have become weary of unstoppable inflation. The leaders and parties should, therefore, come out with their election manifestos and announce clear-cut plans of action to address concerns and problems of the people.