KARACHI, Dec 7: The Sindh Election Commission says the suggestions it has received so far from different political parties about delimitation in Karachi are not ‘concrete enough’ but adds it will compile and forward them to the central body for a final decision on the subject.
“We are still in the process of collecting suggestions and proposals from political parties,” Sindh Election Commissioner Sonu Khan Baloch told reporters after meeting party leaders.
“There has been no solid argument or proposal on these lines. But our responsibility in this particular case is administrative as the final decision would be taken by the Chief Election Commissioner after we submit a report to him.”
In reply to a question, he said the provincial body was bound to follow directives from the Election Commission and any move addressing Karachi’s delimitation and verification of electoral rolls under the Supreme Court verdict would be made on the central body’s directives.
“Some political parties have filed their suggestions on Karachi’s delimitation. The process continues and we hope to complete it soon and then forward it to the Election Commission,” said Mr Baloch.
Earlier, the Sindh Election Commissioner met leaders of Awami National Party who filed their proposals on Karachi’s delimitation. Led by General Secretary Bashir Jan, the ANP team in its proposal sought ‘realistic bifurcation of the Karachi constituencies.’
The proposals particularly addressed four Karachi towns --- Gadap, Malir, Gulshan-i-Iqbal and Bin Qasim towns --- which all included in a single provincial assembly constituency, PS-126. The effectiveness of other constituencies was also questioned by the ANP.
“We don’t insist on new constituencies but redesigning of those considering ground realities,” Mr Jan told reporters after his meeting with the provincial election commissioner.
“The delimitation doesn’t only promise fair and free elections but would also prove to be effective in strengthening peace in Karachi.”
Meanwhile, leaders of different political parties held meetings with Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Fakhruddin G.
Ebrahim at the Sindh Election Commission. PPP leaders Taj Haider headed his party’s delegation and forwarded the party’scomplaint about alleged rigging in recent by-elections on PS-21 in Naushahro Feroze.
“He (Justice Ebrahim) heard our reservations and held out an assurance for transparent process on it. It’s so unfortunate that we were victims of rigging in the polls but were blamed for the same,” he said, while talking to media after the meeting. Samewere concerns of PML-F leaders led by Jam Madad Ali, who raised the same issue.