In recent developments, President Arif Alvi contacted the Ministry of Law and Justice for guidance regarding the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) stance on his inability to determine the election date. The President House conveyed through X, previously known as Twitter that the president sent a letter to the ministry’s secretary about the ECP’s earlier response on the election date discussion. Concurrently, Caretaker Law Minister Ahmad Irfan Aslam expressed that they hadn’t received the aforementioned letter but pledged a response rooted in relevant legislation upon receipt.
ECP Stands Firm on Enhanced Authority for Election Date
Earlier, the ECP addressed President Alvi’s letter, highlighting his lack of authority to set an election date following changes in election laws. After a deliberative session, ECP’s Chief, Sikandar Sultan Raja, implied that any meeting with the President on this matter would yield minimal results. CEC Raja clarified that post-amendments to the Elections Act of 2017, the commission now holds increased powers regarding the scheduling of elections. Before these changes, the president needed to liaise with the commission before confirming an election date.
The ECP also emphasized the criticality of fresh delimitation after the recent approval of the 2023 census, as it forms a foundational step towards the election. Addressing concerns about election delays, Raja confirmed that the ECP is deeply committed to holding the general election, emphasizing its ongoing engagement with major political entities to understand their perspectives on the electoral process.
