Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah shed light on a potential postponement of the general elections until March or April next year.
The delay stems from the Council of Common Interests (CCI) recent approval of the 2023 census, compelling the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to embark on a new round of constituency delimitation.
Details from Minister’s Talk
Speaking on the local news channel show “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath”, aired on Geo News, Minister Sanaullah hinted at the revised election timeline. “Should the delimitation of constituencies proceed, the elections are expected to convene either in late February or early March,” he stated. This decision realigns with the CCI’s Saturday resolution that unanimously endorsed the 2023 census, capturing the agreement of all regional chief ministers and political party representatives.
Highlighting the constitutional implications, Sanaullah commented, “Undertaking a fresh delimitation emerges as a constitutional duty.” The Constitution, he emphasized, prevents two successive general elections from being based on a single census. Furthermore, it dictates that constituencies undergo a redefinition following the official notification of a new census.
Addressing concerns from various political factions, he acknowledged the objections presented regarding the 2023 census outcomes.
Regarding the interim leadership, Sanaullah revealed no consensus had been reached for the caretaker prime minister’s role. “While MQM-P has recommended Kamran Tessori, the Sindh governor, for the position, our coalition ally, PPP, is considering proposing a name or two,” he said. An official announcement concerning the caretaker prime minister is anticipated by the subsequent day.
Highlighting further political dynamics, he mentioned the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government’s decision to dissolve the National Assembly early on August 9. This move permits the ECP to schedule elections within a 90-day frame, diverging from the typical 60-day window following the August 12 constitutional term completion.
In addition to the ongoing discussions, Sanaullah disclosed Hafeez Shaikh, the former finance minister, as a candidate for the caretaker prime minister role. Additionally, a retired Supreme Court judge is on the shortlist. “We anticipate the interim prime minister’s selection to be finalized by August 8 or 9,” he concluded.
