On Wednesday, President Dr. Arif Alvi proposed November 6th as the potential date for Pakistan’s general elections in a letter addressed to Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja. The president’s letter, a copy of which is accessible on Dawn.com, indicated that he had acted upon the prime minister’s advice by dissolving the National Assembly on August 9.
President Alvi emphasized that, in accordance with constitutional obligations, elections should take place on the 89th day following the assembly’s dissolution, which would be November 6. He extended an invitation to Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja for a consultation regarding the elections but noted that Mr. Raja had taken a different stance.
The president stressed that the responsibility for conducting elections lies with the election commission. He mentioned that the delimitation process is currently in progress following the release of the census results in August, and cited Article 51(5) and Section 17 of the Elections Act as relevant provisions.
Additionally, President Alvi’s letter highlighted that all four provincial governments were in agreement that the announcement of the election date fell within the mandate of the electoral body. There was a consensus to hold the general elections for both the National Assembly and all four provincial assemblies on the same day.
Furthermore, the letter reminded that, according to Article 48(5) of the Constitution, the president possesses the authority to set a date for general elections within 90 days following the dissolution of the National Assembly.
