General elections for the National Assembly should be held on November 6, 2023
Letter from President Dr. Arif Alvi to Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja
The President dissolved the National Assembly on August 9 on the advice of the Prime Minister
Under Article 48(5) of the Constitution, the President is empowered to fix a date within ninety days from the date of dissolution for holding general elections in the Assembly.
According to Article 48(5), the general elections for the National Assembly should be held on the 89th day of the date of dissolution of the National Assembly i.e. Monday, November 6, 2023.
In order to fulfill the constitutional responsibility, the Chief Election Commissioner was invited for a meeting to devise a way to implement the Constitution and its mandate, the President said.
In response, the Chief Election Commissioner took the opposite stand that according to the scheme and framework of the Constitution, it is the authority of the Election Commission, the President of the State.
After the publication of the census in August, the process of delimitation of constituencies is also underway and is a mandatory requirement under Article 51(5) of the Constitution and Section 17 of the Election Act, the President said.
The Federal Ministry of Law and Justice is also of the same opinion as the Election Commission of Pakistan
The four provincial governments believe that the announcement of the election date is the mandate of the Election Commission of Pakistan, the President of the State
In order to strengthen the federation, promote unity and harmony between the provinces and avoid unnecessary expenses, it is agreed to hold the general elections of the National Assembly and Provincial Assemblies on the same day, the President said.
The Election Commission is responsible to observe all constitutional and legal measures stipulated under Article 51, 218, 219, 220 and Elections Act 2017 for conducting free and fair elections.
Taking into account all the points, the Election Commission, in consultation with the provincial governments and political parties under the relevant provisions of the Constitution and in view of the fact that some cases are already under hearing, the Supreme Judiciary to hold elections in the National and Provincial Assemblies on the same day. Get guidance from the President.
Editor: Raja Kamran