Pakistan: General Elections to Be Held Without Delay
The Facts
Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) officials on Thursday announced that the body is fully prepared to hold polls within 60 days if legislative assemblies are dissolved after completing their term on August 12 or within 90 days if dissolved earlier.
ECP Secretary Omer Hameed Khan also said that the election constituencies will be based on the 2017 census as new demarcations based on the 2023 digital census is currently "out of the question."
The Spin
Narrative A
After striking an urgent bailout with the International Monetary Fund that relieved its economic woe, Pakistan needs a free and fair election to resolve its crisis and end the years-long political turmoil. Only a legitimate government can lead the nation through these troubled times, undertaking significant reforms and resisting the potential backlash from austerity measures.
Narrative B
A credible, elected government is undoubtedly necessary to salvage the country, but more is needed to bring political stability while the economy remains on the brink of collapse. Unless rival parties come together to cool the political temperature, it's unlikely that the country will be able to avoid sleepwalking into anarchy.
