The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a response toPresident Arif Alvi’s letter concerning the election date, as reported byARY News, citing insider sources. According to these sources within theECP, the commission is currently in the process of analyzing the content ofthe letter and will provide a formal response accordingly. Just as it hasdone in the past, the ECP is committed to adhering to the constitution ofPakistan when addressing matters related to election dates.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to emphasize that the ECP holds theconstitutional authority to announce the election date. The timeline forannouncing the election schedule hinges on the completion of thedelimitation process, slated to conclude on November 30, according to thesources.
Earlier today, President Arif Alvi proposed November 6, 2023, as thetentative date for the general elections in Pakistan. He conveyed thissuggestion in a letter addressed to the Chief Election Commissioner.President Arif Alvi underscored that the dissolution of the NationalAssembly on August 9, 2023, enabled him, as per the Constitution ofPakistan, to announce the general election date “not later than ninety daysfrom the date of the dissolution of the assembly.” This interpretation setsthe election date for Monday, November 6, 2023.
The recent announcement marks the culmination of a prolonged debateregarding whether the President or the ECP possesses the authority todetermine the election date. President Arif Alvi had initially invitedChief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja for discussions on theelection date on August 23.
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In response, the CEC clarified that while the ECP respects President ArifAlvi, there is no need for consultation on the election date as per theElection Amendment Act. The act affirms the president’s ability to announcethe election date when the assembly is dissolved, but the ECP remainsautonomous in determining the specific date
