The President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi, set the date of April 9 for elections to the provincial assemblies of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Presidents’s move was deemed “unconstitutional and illegal” by the government. Arif alvi announced election dates after ECP refused to consult with him regarding said matter.
According to the President, he was invoking the authority vested in him under Section 57(1) of the Elections Act, 2017. This section allowed him to “announce the date or dates of the general elections after consultation with the commission”. He stated that he felt it necessary to announce the dates to avoid the infringement and breach of the Constitution. However, Government criticised President’s decision, stating it unconstitutional and a violation of the Constitution.
The President announced dates after he had initiated a “serious consultation process” with the Election Commission. Afterwards the ECP refused to participate in a meeting on the subject matter. According to the President, the Punjab and KP governors were not fulfilling their constitutional obligations with this regard. He said that the Election Commission was also not fulfilling its constitutional obligations. In addition, He argued that both constitutional offices were placing the ball in each other’s court, resulting in delay and creating a serious danger that constitutional provisions may be violated.
Condemnations
Afterwards, Some members of National assembly condemned President’s move describing it as an “abrogation of the Constitution”. The Defence Minister stated that the President had no role in announcing dates for general elections to the provincial assemblies and accused him of acting as a PTI worker, bringing disrespect to his office. Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar noted that Article 48 (5) of the Constitution only allows the president to announce a date for the election after the dissolution of the National Assembly by him. He added that the President had no power to make or interpret laws and had meddled in the affairs of the judiciary.
Moreover, Former Chairman senate Raza Rubbani said that all stake holders reduced constitution to a green book with no soul. In a statement, the PPP leader said the President had no role in the announcement of the polls’ date for the provincial assembly. Likewise, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman said the move to announce elections was “unconstitutional and illegal.”
