President Arif Alvi has asked the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to immediately announce the date of elections for the KP, Punjab.
Since the dissolution of the provincial assembly last month, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has demanded the KP and Punjab governors, as well as the ECP, announce the date for elections. The president has responded by writing a letter to CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja.
Mr. Alvi stated in the letter that “the election of an Assembly is to be held within 90 days of the dissolution as specified by Article 224(2) of the Constitution.” He made reference to the dissolution of the provincial parliament of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
provincial assemblies of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab to “put an end to dangerous speculative propaganda”.
According to PART VIII of the Constitution, in particular Article 218 (3), which charged the ECP with ensuring the holding of fair and free elections, the conduct and holding of elections was the ECP’s primary and fundamental task.
He made it clear that the Commission would ultimately be held accountable for any violations of the country’s Constitution if it did not carry out its duties and responsibilities.
ECP says no decision on date of Punjab, KP elections
“Referring to Article 42 and Third Schedule, the President stressed that he was under oath ‘to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution’ being the Head of State,” reads the press release.
He reminded the CEC and the ECP members of their fundamental duty under their oath to avoid significant penalties for breaking the Constitution or the law and to immediately declare the election dates for the two dissolved assemblies.
The president emphasized the importance of the Preamble and Objectives Resolution, stating that it was clear from the Preamble that “the State shall exercise its power and authority through the chosen representatives of the people.”
“Such is the unflinching resolve and commitment by the forefathers of the Nation who drafted the Objectives Resolution duly made part of the Constitution (Article 2A). Thus, there remains no obscurity about the democratic principles and values that are to be adhered to, observed and followed”, he further wrote.
