ISLAMABAD
The Supreme Court (SC) while rejecting KP government plea for changing election schedule of Local Bodies (LB) polls in the province has maintained LB polls in KP will be held on party basis.
The court further remarked election commission has taken all the steps to implement Peshawar High Court (PHC) decision. The election schedule has already been issued two years late.
A 3-meber bench of SC presided over by Justice Umar Ata Bandial took up the case for hearing Tuesday.
Advocate General (AG) KP took the plea what order has been given by the high court has no room in the law. If the court does not issue stay order then it should allow to change the date of election. The voters will have to face difficulties due to one electoral symbol of more than two candidates. Our objections over holding LB polls on party basis should he heard with central case. Only election is not needed but representation in true sense is needed.
Justice Umar Ata Bandial remarked splits take place in the communities due to LB polls on party basis. It is imperative to strengthen political parties to promote democracy in the country. The political parties can not be expelled from the political process. We are strongly opposed to change the date.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah remarked no political party has approached the court on this matter. Political party should come and say that high court decision is causing harm.
The court maintained the problem can be resolved by pasting the picture of candidate on ballot papers in case the candidates are more than one. The case will be further heard after PHC detailed decision comes.
The court adjourned the hearing of the case for indefinite period.
