ISLAMABAD: After conducting the 2024 national general polls and their preliminary results amid much criticism, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has pulled up its socks to organize the presidential election and the first session of all assemblies in accordance with constitutionally binding provisions. The top electoral body, which is yet to decide on matters related to reserved seats belonging to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has endorsed candidates after the party’s merger into the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), has begun preparations for the presidency public opinion polls.
“A public notice will be issued along with the schedule for the March 1 presidential election,” the statement on Tuesday said, adding: “Nomination papers for the above event will be accepted until March 2 at 12 noon. The nominees have been asked to submit their relevant documents to the chairman, he added. In addition, the commission opened the door for candidates to receive nomination papers who were willing to run for the post of president.
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It is noteworthy to mention here that the ECP had already on February 23 approached the High Courts regarding the conduct of polls on the top political slot scheduled for March 9, 2024, recommending the appointment of Chief Justices of the respective High Courts. as presiding by past tradition. When elaborating on the constitutional ties, the commission stated that the presidential elections must be held within 30 days and the first session of all assemblies within 21 days after the general elections according to Articles 91 and 130 of the Constitution.
“All assemblies should be formed on February 29, marking the completion of the required electoral college for the presidential election. The latest statement came after the National Assembly Secretariat convened a meeting of the lower house of parliament for February 29 at 10 a.m. following President Arif Alvi’s refusal, however, the officers concerned claimed they were under legal restrictions to begin parliamentary business 21st General Election as per Article 91 of the Constitution. Ahead of the development, the President reportedly rejected the summary for convening the NA meeting, sources said, at which the elected MNAs will be sworn in, as he felt the assembly was “incomplete without allotment of all reserved seats to political parties”. While the ECP allocated reserved seats to political parties, it did not allocate the reserved quota to the SIC after independent candidates backed by a party founded by Imran joined their ranks. The electoral body has announced that it will initiate hearings on the matter, which began today.
