Defiant President contemplates announcing election date

ISLAMABAD: President Arif Alvi is reportedly considering the announcement of the next general election date, in direct contradiction to the stance of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the law ministry.

The President is anticipated to reveal his decision imminently, having concluded discussions with his legal advisors, the sources disclosed to The Express Tribune.

These insiders anticipate that President Alvi will dispatch another communication to the ECP, proposing a November date for the upcoming elections.

Informed sources stated that President Alvi’s legal team has advised him that an act of parliament cannot supersede Constitutional provisions. Despite amendments to the Election Act 2017 by the parliament, the Constitution stipulates a mandatory election timeframe of 90 days.

Alvi invites Chief ECP for a ‘discussion’ on election dates

Citing this legal opinion, an undisclosed source shared, “The president is poised to convey the election date to the Election Commission in the near future.”

The President’s office was approached for confirmation but declined to verify the unfolding developments.

According to the Constitution, elections must transpire within 90 days following the dissolution of assemblies. However, during the final days of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led administration, the new census results were published. The ECP asserted adherence to the law necessitates constituency reconfiguration based on these fresh census figures.

This comprehensive process entails a four-month timeline, with the election schedule following subsequently. Consequently, the prospect of elections occurring this year appears unlikely. Yet, should the President choose to proceed with his self-declared election date, the situation could grow increasingly complex.

Next week, the Supreme Court is poised to deliberate on the matter, as the chief justice underscored the apex court’s unwillingness to sanction any actions conflicting with Constitutional tenets. Consequently, the fate of the elections remains uncertain, with many observers speculating potential polls in February.