Responding President Arif Alvi’s invitation for a meeting to discuss the appropriate date for the upcoming general elections, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja on Thursday said that such a meeting would hold little significance in light of recent changes to the election law.
President Alvi’s letter, dated Wednesday, referenced Article 244 of the Constitution, asserting his obligation to ensure that elections are held within 90 days following the premature dissolution of the National Assembly.
The President’s letter cited Article 48 (5) of the Constitution, which mandates him to appoint of an election date and a caretaker cabinet in such circumstances.
The situation has evolved due to recent amendments to the election laws, which now grant the CEC the authority to determine the date for elections without requiring the President’s input.
The CEC highlighted an amendment to Section 57 of the Elections Act, which empowers the Election Commission to announce the date for general elections.
However, the CEC clarified that if the dissolution of the Assembly is due to the Prime Minister’s advice or the passage of time, then the Commission believes the power to set election dates lies solely with them.
The CEC emphasized that the foundational legal steps for holding elections, such as constituency delimitation based on the digital census, are being meticulously undertaken.
The Election Commission has also sought input from major political parties regarding the electoral map.
While expressing respect for the office of the President, the CEC conveyed that participating in the proposed meeting would hold minimal significance given the Commission’s stance on the matter.
In response, the Presidency, in a post on X, has confirmed that it has sought advice from the law ministry concerning the CEC’s position, as conveyed in the letter.
