Electioneering concluded this Tuesday, following belated campaigns by the political parties to woo their voters through political activities, such as meetings and processions.
The deadline was issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan that warned these parties of legal consequences for organizing or participating in any such political activity.
This election cycle stood out for its distinctiveness, characterized by a delayed surge in electoral fervor due to prevailing uncertainty casting a shadow over the proceedings.
PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari held a power show in Larkana, the historic stronghold of the Bhutto political dynasty. Meanwhile, PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif chose Kasur, the constituency of his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif, to conclude their political campaign on a high note.
The elder Sharif had also planned to speak at a rally in Lahore, but it was canceled.
For the PTI, the situation differed significantly. The party faced the denial of its iconic election symbol, the ‘bat,’ and its founder, Imran Khan, remained in jail, confronting numerous charges.
On Monday, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) made a crucial announcement, enforcing the cessation of electioneering at midnight between February 6 and 7, 2024. Section 182 of the Elections Act 2017 explicitly prohibits any political activities beyond the stipulated timeframe. It states, “No person shall convene, hold, or attend any public meeting, or promote or join in any procession, within the area of a constituency or, in the case of the Senate election, a Province, during a period of forty-eight hours ending at midnight following the conclusion of the poll for any election in that constituency or Province.”
Similarly, Section 183 outlines penalties for illegal practices, stating, “A person guilty of the offense of illegal practice shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with a fine which may extend to one hundred thousand rupees or with both.”
The ECP has issued a stern warning that candidates found organizing or participating in political activities after the stipulated deadline will face legal repercussions. In its appeal, the commission has sought the cooperation of the media and the public to ensure a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.
