Karachi, 9 September, 2023 (GNP): Sherry Rehman, a prominent leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), called upon the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to promptly announce the election date, addressing growing uncertainty in the nation.
This uncertainty has even raised concerns among foreign diplomats who seek clarity. She highlighted the unusual nature of foreign ambassadors engaging with “institutions,” likely referring to the recent meeting between US envoy Donald Blome and Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja.
Rehman emphasized the importance of setting an election date, suggesting that many issues could be resolved once it is announced. The PPP’s stance remains clear: elections should adhere to the constitutionally mandated 90-day period following the National Assembly’s dissolution on August 9.
However, recent statements from PPP leaders, including Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, indicate a willingness to be flexible in this stance, emphasizing adherence to the Constitution without specifying the 90-day deadline.
Furthermore, Asif Ali Zardari, PPP Co-Chairperson, stressed the need for a fresh constituency delimitation following the new 2023 digital census results. The ECP cites Section 17(2) of the Elections Act as the basis for delaying elections beyond November, which requires delimitation after each official census.
Read more: PPP called for general elections under Article 224
Notably, lawyers’ organizations have called for strikes, demanding elections by November 9, as mandated by Article 224 of the Constitution. President Arif Alvi also attempted to convene a meeting with CEC Raja to determine the election date. However, as per recent amendment to the Elections Act 2017, the ECP now holds the power to unilaterally announce election dates.
The president sought legal counsel, confirming that the ECP has the authority to announce election dates independently. In a recent discussion with the caretaker Law Minister Ahmed Irfan Aslam, President Alvi emphasized the need for decisions aligned with the Constitution’s spirit. The call for election date clarity continues to intensify in Pakistan’s political landscape.
