President recommends to hold elections on November 06

September 13, 2023 (MLN): President Arif Alvi has recommended the Chief Election Commissioner, Sikandar Sultan Raja to hold elections on November 6, which is the 89th day after the end of the National Assembly term, as per an official letter issued by the President today.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in consultation with provincial governments and political parties under the relevant provisions of the constitution may seek the advice of the superior judiciary for a single date for general elections.

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— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) September 13, 2023

Arif Alvi highlighted that in an endeavor to fulfill the constitutional obligations, the Chief Election Commissioner was invited for a meeting to devise the modalities of implementing the Constitutional intent and mandate.

However, the Chief Election Commissioner expressed a contrary view, stating that according to the Constitution and electoral laws, this task falls under the domain of the Election Commission. 

Article 48(5) of the Constitution empowers and mandates the President "to appoint a date not later than ninety days from the date of the dissolution, for the holding of a general election to the Assembly".

The letter further states that all four provincial governments are of the view that the announcement of the election date is the mandate of the Election Commission of Pakistan.

Further, there is a consensus that to strengthen the federation to promote unity and harmony amongst provinces and to avoid incurring unnecessary expenses, general elections to the National Assembly and the Provincial Assemblies must be held on the same day.

The ECP is solely responsible for abiding by all the constitutional and legal steps stipulated under Articles 51, 218, 219, 220 and the Elections Act, 2017 for organizing and conducting free and fair elections.

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