ISLAMABAD: Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai has written to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, calling for the immediate appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and two members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) from Sindh and Balochistan.
The letter was written following the completion of the constitutional terms of the Chief Election Commissioner and the ECP members representing Sindh and Balochistan.
In his letter, Achakzai said that the constitutional terms of the Chief Election Commissioner and the two ECP members had expired, making it necessary to fill the important constitutional positions without further delay.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the Election Commission remains fully constituted and capable of performing its constitutional responsibilities effectively.
The opposition leader pointed out that under Article 213(2A) of the Constitution, consultation between the prime minister and the leader of the opposition is mandatory for the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner.
He further stated that the Constitution also requires consultation for the appointment of members of the Election Commission. Referring to Article 218(2B), Achakzai said that the constitutional procedure must be followed for filling the vacant positions.
Achakzai urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to hold an immediate meeting with him so that nominations for the vacant positions in the Election Commission could be finalized.
The opposition leader stressed that timely appointments were necessary to ensure the continuity and effective functioning of the country’s top electoral institution.
The Election Commission of Pakistan is responsible for conducting elections, maintaining electoral rolls and performing various constitutional and legal functions related to the country’s electoral system. The appointment of its senior officeholders is therefore considered an important constitutional matter.
Achakzai’s letter calls for the government and opposition leadership to begin the consultation process promptly and complete the appointments in accordance with the constitutional framework.
The demand comes as the terms of the Chief Election Commissioner and the ECP members from Sindh and Balochistan have reached their constitutional limit.
Under the Constitution, the appointment process requires consultation between the prime minister and the leader of the opposition. Achakzai has therefore sought an early meeting with the prime minister to move the process forward.
The opposition leader’s initiative places emphasis on maintaining the institutional continuity of the Election Commission and ensuring that its key positions are filled through the prescribed constitutional procedure.
Further developments are expected following consultations between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai regarding the nominations for the vacant positions.
About The Author
