In adherence to the Supreme Court’s directive, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) formally communicated to President Arif Alvi on Thursday, suggesting February 11, 2024, as the prospective date for the upcoming general elections.
The commission’s letter highlighted their expectations, stating, “We anticipate a swift resolution regarding the appointment of the general elections date and hope to notify the court by the 3rd of November, 2023.” The ECP further mentioned that after meticulous consideration, they are “recommending February 11, 2024, as the polling date for the general elections to the National and Provincial Assemblies”.
ECP’s Confirmation and Prior Announcements
Earlier that day, during the hearing about timely elections nationwide, the ECP reaffirmed to the apex court its decision to hold the general elections on the date above. ECP’s legal representative, Sajeel Swati, informed the three-member bench that “Elections will be scheduled post the delimitation completion on November 30.”
This recent announcement follows the ECP’s prior statement last month, wherein they projected the elections to occur in the final week of January 2024.
Read: Supreme Court of Pakistan Directs ECP to Consult President on Election Date
As proceedings commenced, Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, instructed the ECP’s counsel to liaise with the chief election commissioner and the president immediately. The Chief Justice emphasized the court’s resolve, asserting that once the date is officially declared, it would be irrevocable. “No alterations to the election date will be sanctioned,” he firmly stated, further reassuring that the apex court will see to it that the elections transpire as planned and its decision will be upheld.
Consultations and Deliberations
After the court’s directive, Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, flanked by a delegation, engaged in discussions with President Arif Alvi at Aiwan-e-Sadr. However, sources intimately familiar with the proceedings indicated that the deliberations did not yield a definitive agreement.
Furthermore, it’s anticipated that the Attorney General for Pakistan, Mansoor Usman Awan, will engage with the CEC and relay the president’s perspective on this pivotal matter.
 has officially proposed February 11, 2024, as the date for the upcoming general elections, in response to the Supreme Court's directive. Read on for the full story and insights from the court hearing.){kind=link}