ISLAMABAD: President Arif Alvi proposed November 6 as date for general elections in country. In letter to Chief Election Commission Sikandar Sultan Raja, President proposed date for general elections in country.

“National Assembly was dissolved by President on advice of Prime Minister on August 9, 2023. “Whereas Article 48(5) of Constitution empowers and mandates President “To appoint date not later than ninety days from date of dissolution, for holding of general election to Assembly,” reads President’s letter to CEC.

“Whereas in terms of Article 48(5) general election to National Assembly should be held by eighty-ninth day of date of dissolution of National Assembly, i.e. Monday Day of November 6, 2023,” it added.

 In an endeavour to fulfil constitutional obligations, President said he had invited Chief Election Commissioner for meeting to devise modalities of implementing constitutional intent and mandate, adding that ECP in reply took “Contrary view that as per scheme of Constitution and framework of electoral laws, it was domain of Election Commission and following publication of last preceding census on August 7, 2023, duly notified delimitation of constituencies was in progress, mandatory requirement stipulated by Article 51(5) of Constitution and section 17 of Elections Act, 2017.

” He said Law Ministry is also of similar view as that of Election Commission of Pakistan. “Whereas all four provincial governments are of view that announcement of election date is mandate of Election Commission of Pakistan.

Further, there is consensus that to strengthen federation and to promote unity and harmony amongst provinces and to avoid incurring of unnecessary expenses, general elections to National Assembly and provincial assemblies must be held on same day,” he wrote.

President said it is responsibility of Election Commission to abide by all constitutional and legal steps stipulated under Articles 51, 218, 219, 220 and Elections Act, 2017 for organising and conducting free and fair elections. “Therefore taking into account all above, Election Commission in consultation with provincial governments and political parties under relevant provisions of Constitution and in view that some of these matters are already subjudice, may seek guidance from Superior Judiciary for announcement of single date for general election to National and provincial assemblies,” he concluded.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 14 2023

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