Election Commission Receives Rs 17.4 Billion Amidst Preparations for 2024 General Elections

Following the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) expressed concerns about the lack of funds, the Finance Division has now released Rs17.4 billion to support the electoral body in its preparations for the upcoming polls. In an official statement issued on Tuesday, the Finance Division clarified that this release is in addition to the Rs10 billion provided in July 2023, bringing the total amount allocated for the general elections to Rs27.4 billion.

The Finance Division emphasized its commitment to providing funds promptly as and when required by the Election Commission of Pakistan. This move comes a day after Finance Secretary Imdad Ullah Bosal assured the electoral watchdog that the funds for the upcoming general elections would be released within a day or two. Bosal had been summoned by the commission after the Finance Ministry initially showed a lack of responsiveness regarding the allocation of funds specified for the polls in the budget.

Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi, addressing the ECP’s concerns, stated on a social media platform that there is no financial crisis hindering the electoral body’s needs. He highlighted that the cabinet has already approved Rs42 billion for the ECP’s budgetary requirements, with Rs10 billion already disbursed. Solangi assured that any additional funds required by the ECP would be released according to its needs, reaffirming the government’s unwavering support for holding free and fair elections.

As Pakistan approaches the 2024 general elections scheduled for February 8, all political parties are gearing up for the electoral showdown. The ECP has finalized the delimitation of constituencies for the national and four provincial assemblies and is expected to announce the election schedule later this month. The electoral watchdog had initially set December 15 as the date for the final list of delimitations, but it was later revised to November 30. According to the ECP’s notification, the National Assembly comprises 266 general seats, with 60 reserved for women and an additional 10 for non-Muslims, as per Article 51(3) of the Constitution.