ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially invited the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, for consultations regarding the appointment of the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), months after the term of the incumbent expired in January 2025.
Despite the constitutional deadline passing on March 12, no new appointments have been finalized yet, raising concerns about delays in the crucial process.
According to the 26th Amendment, the current CEC and Election Commission members continue in office until their successors are appointed, but the constitution mandates that these appointments be completed within 45 days as per Article 215(4).
In a letter dated May 16, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the need to forward three names each for the appointment of the CEC and two members representing Sindh and Balochistan to the Parliamentary Committee for approval.
Constitutional Consultation and Appointment Process
The Prime Minister’s letter to Omar Ayub underlines the importance of consultations under clause (2A) of Article 213 of the Constitution.
The meeting aims to finalize a shortlist of candidates for these key positions within the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). No specific date has yet been announced for the consultations, nor have any candidate names been publicly disclosed.
The appointment of the new CEC is crucial for overseeing upcoming elections and ensuring the credibility and transparency of the electoral process in Pakistan.
Opposition Leader’s Legal Challenges
Meanwhile, Omar Ayub faces a pending disqualification reference filed by former MNA Babar Nawaz, who contested the 2024 general elections from NA-18 (Haripur).
The case was forwarded to the ECP by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Sadiq and is currently under review by a five-member committee chaired by the incumbent CEC.
Ayub’s hearing was adjourned until July 1, allowing him time to attend the federal budget session and appoint legal counsel.
He criticized the National Assembly for initiating the reference without prior consultation and cited his prior electoral victories, including a substantial win in 2018 where a similar case was dismissed by the Abbottabad High Court.
The Election Commission has set deadlines for action on the reference, with the next hearing scheduled for late June.
