ECP rules against allocating reserved seats to PTI-backed SIC. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has rendered a significant ruling, asserting that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) is ineligible for the reserved seats designated for women and minorities.
This decision, delivered with a 4-1 majority, saw ECP Punjab member Hassan Bharwana dissenting from the prevailing verdict.
The ECP’s decision was rooted in the SIC’s failure to adhere to the crucial requirement of submitting a priority list for the reserved seats of women before the February 8 polls, despite being granted an extended deadline by the commission.
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This issue emerged after winning candidates supported by PTI joining the ranks of the SIC following the February 8 elections.
The ECP had deliberated on petitions filed by the SIC seeking allocation of women and minority seats.
The matter was heard by a five-member bench presided over by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, with the verdict being reserved on February 28.
As ECP rules against allocating reserved seats to PTI-backed SIC, the outcome of the February 8 elections saw PTI-backed independent candidates clinching the highest number of National Assembly seats at 92, trailed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with 79 seats and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) with 54 seats.
Reserved seats were apportioned to all political entities based on their respective strengths in the assemblies, with the exception of the PTI-backed SIC.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is a dependent, non-autonomous, permanent and constitutionally established federal body responsible for organizing and conducting elections to the national parliament, provincial legislatures, local governments, and the office of president of Pakistan, as well as the delimitation of constituencies and preparation of electoral rolls.
