ISLAMABAD:
The formation of a parliamentary committee for the appointment of a new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has been put on hold until formal consultations between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition are concluded, the National Assembly Secretariat confirmed on Sunday.
According to official sources, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has yet to receive formal communication from the Prime Minister’s Office, a necessary step before initiating the process of constituting the bipartisan committee.
Constitutional Requirement Under Article 213
As per Clause 2A of Article 213 of the Constitution, the Prime Minister is required to consult the Leader of the Opposition before forwarding three names for each vacant ECP position. Once the consultation is complete, the Speaker is mandated under Clause 2B to form a 12-member parliamentary committee—equally divided between the government and opposition—for final selection.
A spokesperson for the National Assembly Secretariat clarified that while informal consultations began on May 16, no formal summary or list of nominees has been submitted as of June 16.
Vacancies and Interim Arrangements
The terms of the incumbent Chief Election Commissioner and the ECP members from Sindh and Balochistan expired on January 26. However, a constitutional provision allows them to continue performing their duties until successors are formally appointed.
The Speaker had issued letters to the parliamentary leadership on February 11, inviting nominations for the committee. However, he reiterated that no committee can be formed until the required names are proposed by the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader following mutual consultation.
Parliamentary Oversight Emphasized
The delay underscores the significance of bipartisan consensus in matters concerning the Election Commission—an institution critical to the integrity of the country’s democratic process. Political observers view the current process as a test of cooperative governance amid a politically polarized climate.
Next Steps
The parliamentary committee will be constituted immediately upon receipt of the formal nominations. The Speaker’s Office has reiterated its commitment to transparency and adherence to constitutional procedures throughout the process.
Editorial Note:
With key electoral appointments pending, the responsibility now lies with both government and opposition leaders to expedite consultations and uphold the constitutional obligation of consensus-building in the interest of democratic continuity.
Reported for PakTribune News Desk. All rights reserved.