President Arif Alvi writes letter to CEC, proposes to hold general elections on November 6

ISLAMABAD (92 News) - President Arif Alvi on Wednesday proposed that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should hold the general elections on November 6.

In a letter addressed to Chief Election Commissioner Raja Sikandar Sultan, President Dr Arif Alvi's said that he had dissolved the National Assembly on the advice of the prime minister under Article 48(5) of the Constitution on August 9.

He said that he has the authority to fix a date within 90 days from the date of dissolution for holding the general elections. "According to Article 48(5), the President shall hold general elections for the National Assembly on the 89th day of the date of dissolution of the National Assembly and it should be held on November 6," he stated.

The President, in the letter, said in order to fulfill his constitutional obligation, he had invited the chief election commissioner for a meeting to work out how to implement the constitution and its mandate.

"The CEC in response opined that according to the scheme and framework of the constitution, it is the authority of the ECP. Moreover, the process of delimitation of constituencies is also going on after the publication of the census in August. It is a mandatory condition under the Article 51(5) of the constitution and Section 17 of the Election Act. The Federal Ministry of Law and Justice is also of the same opinion as the Election Commission of Pakistan. All the four governments are of the view that it is mandate of the ECP to announce the elections date.

"The provinces are agreed to hold the general elections of the National Assembly and Provincial Assemblies on the same day in order to strengthen, promote unity and harmony and avoid unnecessary expenses.

"In order to conduct the elections, the President should observe all the constitutional and legal measures stipulated under Article 51, 218, 219, 220 and the Elections Act 2017. In consultation with and in view of the fact that some cases are already under hearing. The ECP should seek guidance from the apex court to hold the elections of the National and Provincial Assemblies on the same day," the letter stated.