In Islamabad, a response letter has been sent by the Election Commission to President Dr. Arif Alvi, declining a meeting request from the Chief Election Commissioner.
In the correspondence, the Election Commission conveyed its decision not to meet with President Alvi at this time. The letter highlighted that the National Assembly was dissolved under Article 58 (1) of the Constitution based on the Prime Minister’s advice, which led to an amendment in Section 57 of the Election Act.
According to the letter, the Election Commission holds the authority to determine the election date following the amendments to the Election Act. Referring to Article 58-2 of the Constitution, the letter clarified that the President’s authority to set an election date only applies when the President dissolves the Assembly. If the dissolution is advised by the Prime Minister, the Election Commission possesses the mandate to establish the election date.
Furthermore, the Election Commission’s response emphasized that the President’s points were not applicable to the current circumstances. The power of the President under Article 48(5) ceases after following the Prime Minister’s advice for Assembly dissolution. The Election Commission is committed to its duty of conducting elections with utmost seriousness.
The response letter expressed the Election Commission’s deep respect for the position of the President. It acknowledged the honor of meeting the President and expressed readiness to seek guidance from the President on national matters when the time is appropriate. The Election Commission believes that the outcome of the meeting will have a limited impact.
It’s important to note that President Dr. Arif Alvi had extended an invitation to the Chief Election Commissioner for a meeting aimed at determining the date of the general elections. The invitation was made through a letter, which indicated that the President, acting on the Prime Minister’s advice, dissolved the National Assembly on August 9, 2023. As per Article 48 (5) of the Constitution, the President is obliged to establish a date for general elections within 90 days from the dissolution date.
The President’s letter included an invitation for the Chief Election Commissioner to meet either today or tomorrow to agree upon a suitable election date.
