As reported, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have agreed to have Finance Minister Ishaq Dar as the interim Prime Minister. Dar confirmed plans to amend the Election Act 2017 to empower the interim government to make key decisions rather than manage everyday tasks.
He reasoned that the nation deserves to know the workings of its leadership and maintained that the role of an interim leader should exceed making day-to-day decisions. He did not shy away from acknowledging that past experiences with caretaker governments have been less than satisfactory.
While sources indicate that the establishment also favours Dar, the finance minister considered it premature to confirm his selection. He stated that a formal Constitutional process needs to be put into play. Asked about consensus over his nomination, Dar pointed to his track record of diligence in his duties.
Upcoming Modifications to the Election Act-2017
Parliament is poised to pass the Electoral Reforms Bill to bring considerable changes to the Election Act-2017. The planned alterations would extend the caretaker government’s powers, enabling it to manage matters of national importance beyond routine operations.
These amendments are expected to strengthen the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)’s ability to conduct transparent, free, and fair elections. According to sources, the federal cabinet will likely approve a comprehensive measure in a meeting early this week.
Read: Ishaq Dar Tapped for Interim Prime Minister Position by PML-N
The bill will then be presented to the National Assembly by Minister of Law and Justice, Senator Muhammad Azam Nazir Tarar. The Senate is expected to approve the Act’s amendments by week’s end.
With these amendments, the interim government could manage international affairs and provincial matters, including fiscal issues, on par with an elected government.
A committee headed by Raja Pervez Ashraf, the National Assembly Speaker, and former Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has recommended further action to the government. The reform measure was given the green light in an intensive closed-door meeting.
The upcoming electoral laws are said to have rigorous rules for candidate scrutiny, to ensure the entrance of only suitable individuals to the Parliament or provincial assemblies. The law will also consider the suggestions of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, who had earlier requested specific powers for the Commission.
