ISLAMABAD: President Arif Alvi has written a letter to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), asking the electoral body to immediately announce the date of polls for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab by issuing election schedule and put an end to dangerous speculative propaganda for these and future general elections.
In his letter, the President cited dissolution of provincial assemblies in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and quoted a few articles of the Constitution (Article 2A, 105, 112) etc.
In his letter, the President emphasized that the dissolution of a Provincial Assembly could happen either under Article 105 or Article 112. In either situation, election of the Assembly is to be held within 90 days of the dissolution. Such a mandate stands further fortified by Article 224(2) emphasizing the holding of election in 90 days. The conduct and holding of elections is the primary and essential duty of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) as per PART VIII of the Constitution- in particular Article 218 (3) casts a duty on the ECP to ensure holding of fair and free election. Thus, it is ultimately the Commission, which if it fails to discharge its functions and duties, is to be held responsible and answerable for the violation of our Constitution.
