President Dr Arif Alvi has invited Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja to convene within the next two days. This meeting aims to finalize a suitable date for the upcoming general elections. The president’s letter, made public on social media, underlines the CEC’s constitutional responsibility to schedule a general election within ninety days after the dissolution of the National Assembly. It’s crucial to note that the assembly was dissolved on August 9, following the recommendation of then-Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Past Contentions between the President and ECP
This invitation follows amidst growing concerns about potential election delays due to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announcing a fresh delimitation of constituencies. Earlier in February, President Alvi had urged the ECP to conduct elections for the Punjab and Khyber-Pakhutnkhwa provincial assemblies, unilaterally declaring April 9 as the voting date. The president’s call for an ‘urgent meeting’ with the CEC on this matter had been previously declined by the ECP, citing ongoing legal considerations.
ECP’s Stance on its Constitutional Role
In a subsequent letter from ECP Secretary Omar Hamid Khan, the ECP clarified its inability to join a consultative discussion with the president concerning election dates, given the matter’s sub judice status. The letter emphasized the ECP’s constitutional mandate under Article 218(3) to organize and oversee elections. The commission maintained its strict adherence to constitutional and legal provisions. While reiterating that its primary function is to oversee elections, the ECP clarified that announcing election dates is a responsibility vested in the president and provincial governors.
