US official react after Pakistan President's call for elections
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Following President Dr. Arif Alvi's proposal to set November 6 as the deadline for the upcoming general elections, the United States (US) has issued a call to Pakistan, urging the nation to conduct elections that are both timely and characterized by freedom and fairness, in accordance with relevant laws.
State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller conveyed this message while responding to inquiries regarding President Arif Alvi's recommendation that elections should take place no later than November 6, marking the 89th day since the dissolution of the National Assembly.
In his statement, Miller emphasized that, just as they do with countries worldwide, the US encourages Pakistan to organize elections that are not only free and fair but also adhere to a predetermined schedule. He underlined the importance of respecting human rights, upholding fundamental freedoms, and adhering to the rule of law during this electoral process.
Furthermore, the State Department spokesperson pressed Pakistani authorities to conduct the electoral proceedings in alignment with Pakistan's existing laws, emphasizing that this expectation aligns with their approach to countries globally.
A day prior to this announcement, President Arif Alvi directed a letter to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja, highlighting the crucial cut-off date for the upcoming elections. President Alvi asserted his authority, citing Article 48(5) of the Constitution, which grants him the mandate to designate a date for the general election to the assembly, not later than 90 days from the dissolution of the assemblies.
This move set the stage for discussions and considerations regarding the electoral timeline in Pakistan
