The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a response to President Arif Alvi's letter concerning the election date, as reported by ARY News, citing insider sources. According to these sources within the ECP, the commission is currently in the process of analyzing the content of the letter and will provide a formal response accordingly. Just as it has done in the past, the ECP is committed to adhering to the constitution of Pakistan when addressing matters related to election dates.
Furthermore, it's crucial to emphasize that the ECP holds the constitutional authority to announce the election date. The timeline for announcing the election schedule hinges on the completion of the delimitation process, slated to conclude on November 30, according to the sources.
Earlier today, President Arif Alvi proposed November 6, 2023, as the tentative date for the general elections in Pakistan. He conveyed this suggestion in a letter addressed to the Chief Election Commissioner. President Arif Alvi underscored that the dissolution of the National Assembly on August 9, 2023, enabled him, as per the Constitution of Pakistan, to announce the general election date "not later than ninety days from the date of the dissolution of the assembly." This interpretation sets the election date for Monday, November 6, 2023.
The recent announcement marks the culmination of a prolonged debate regarding whether the President or the ECP possesses the authority to determine the election date. President Arif Alvi had initially invited Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja for discussions on the election date on August 23.
In response, the CEC clarified that while the ECP respects President Arif Alvi, there is no need for consultation on the election date as per the Election Amendment Act. The act affirms the president's ability to announce the election date when the assembly is dissolved, but the ECP remains autonomous in determining the specific date