The Election Commission of Pakistan has decided to postpone the second phase of the Sindh local bodies’ elections being held on July 24. The polls have been rescheduled for 28 August due to possible rains and the commencement of Muharram month.
Bol TV channel reported that the decision had been taken in an ECP meeting presided over the Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja in Islamabad on Wednesday.
The ECP spokesman said that it was decided on the reports of Sindh Election Commissioner, Chief Secretary and Met Office, which had predicted rains from 24 July to 26.
The notification in this regard will be issued on Thursday (tomorrow).
The channel further said that the Election for the NA-245 constituency has also been postponed, which would now be held on 21 August.
However, Bol TV had already reported that monsoon rains and the commencement of Muharram month were being said to be reasons for the postponement of the elections.
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It is pertinent to mention here that the Election Commission of Pakistan on Tuesday sought a report from Sindh ECP about the situation of rains in the province.
A number of applications have been submitted with the ECP for delaying the elections till next month.
The MQM has also submitted an application for the postponement.
Bol TV reported that many DCs and ROs have reportedly informed the ECP about the accumulation of rainwater in many localities, causing hindrance in the conduct of smooth elections.
