Next polls cannot be held on old constituencies, asserts ECP

ECP Secretary Babar Yaqoob. Photo: File ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Secretary Babar Yaqoob said on Tuesday that after holding the new census, it is not possible to conduct polls on the old constituencies. Talking to the media, Yaqoob said the ECP is worried about the delimitation of constituencies in light of the new census. He informed that the delimitation and work on voters? lists would be undertaken simultaneously, but added that he feared there will be more room for error if the ECP is given less time for these exercises. Yaqoob said even if by November 10 the government is able to complete the legal formalities with regard to the new constituencies, the ECP will be able to make it work. Earlier, Yaqoob said the ECP has not kept any facts from the media. He also praised the recently passed Elections Act, 2017, saying it has truly empowered the commission. Moreover, ECP officials have said the present assemblies will complete their tenure on June 5, 2018 and the ECP will finalise the voters? lists on May 5, 2018. Officials said in December this year a door-to-door verification of voters will take place whereas the electoral rolls will display the voters? lists in January 2018. Similarly, in February, the objections to the lists will be fixed and from March to April the new lists will be published.