Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah announced the potential delay of general elections until March of the next year due to the recent approval of the new census by the Council of Common Interests (CCI). This approval necessitates the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to undergo a new delimitation of constituencies. Sanaullah mentioned that elections are expected around late February or early March if this delimitation process takes place.
Originally, general elections were slated for either October or November of this year. However, the CCI’s recent unanimous agreement on the 2023 census means the elections will be based on this new data. The decision was supported by all four chief ministers and political party representatives.
Sanaullah emphasized the constitutional requirement of fresh delimitation after each new census. He pointed out that the Constitution doesn’t allow two general elections based on one census. Furthermore, the recent census faced objections from various political parties.
No final decision has been made yet regarding the appointment of an interim prime minister. Although MQM-P has suggested Kamran Tessori and PPP might propose a couple of names, the final announcement will be made soon. Sanaullah disclosed that former finance minister Hafeez Shaikh and a retired Supreme Court judge are being considered for the caretaker prime minister role. The decision is expected by August 8 or 9.
Lastly, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led government will dissolve the National Assembly on August 9, allowing the ECP to potentially organize elections within 90 days, extending from the regular 60-day frame.
