ISLAMABAD: Amid delay from Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) over date for elections, President Dr Arif Alvi announced April 9 as date for holding polls in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab move rejected by ruling alliance parties. President announced date by exercising his power under Section 57 (1) of Elections Act, 2017, he asked electoral body to issue an election programme in accordance with Section 57 (2) of Act. Last week, President summoned Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja for an urgent meeting on February 20 for consultation regarding date of poll as he lambasted him over ECP’s “Poignant approach” regarding general elections date.

However, Election Commission  excused itself from holding consultations with President Alvi for time being, saying that matter was already under judicial consideration. In his letter to Chief Election Commissioner President said that he was under oath to preserve, protect and defend Constitution under Article 42 read with third schedule of Constitution.

President further said that governors of Punjab and KP were not performing their constitutional duties for appointing date, not later than 90 days from date of dissolution of provincial assemblies as per Constitution. He added that ECP was also not fulfilling its constitutional obligation for holding polls for assemblies of Punjab and KP. “Both constitutional offices are placing ball in each other’s court thus resulting in delay and creating serious danger that constitutional provisions may be violated.” Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz senior leader Talal Chaudhary said, “Election cannot and will not be held on President’s directives.”

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 21 2023

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