As the Supreme Court’s deadline regarding the appointment of a permanent chief election commissioner (CEC) draws closer, Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah on Wednesday blamed the government for the delay in the appointment of the poll chief.
“The prime minister has not contacted me regarding the appointment of CEC. It proves that the delay is on part of the government,” Shah said while speaking to reporters.
Following the 18th Constitutional Amendment, the prime minister must consult the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly and reach a consensus on a nominee for the position. In case they fail to agree on one name, both must propose three names each to a specially-constituted parliamentary committee, which can then pick out one name.
The apex court had earlier given the government and Shah till October 28 to appoint the CEC. However, Shah had filed a plea in the Supreme Court to grant three weeks to make this appointment, upholding that the parliamentary committee on electoral reforms was working on a comprehensive package of reforms in the electoral system.
Changes in the eligibility criteria for a CEC have been proposed. Currently only a retired Supreme Court judge can be appointed for the post. The PPP has proposed that this office should not be left only for the retired judges but retired bureaucrats and senior politicians of good repute should also be eligible for this office.
However, the apex court, rejecting Shah’s plea, ordered that the post be filled by November 13.
In light of this, a meeting between the prime minister and Shah was expected on Wednesday. However, Shah claimed that the government had not contacted him. He added that as the leader of the opposition, he would contact other political parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, for an opposition nominee for the post.
Responding to a question, Shah said the government should hold “meaningful” dialogue with PTI chief Imran Khan to defuse the political impasse.
“If Imran Khan agrees on a dialogue, all issues, including the formation of a judicial commission to probe rigging allegations in general polls, can be resolved amicably,” he remarked.
The PPP leader reiterated his party’s proposal of slashing the tenure of government from five to four years.
Referring to PPP’s recent differences with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Shah suggested that the PML-N government should approach the MQM instead.
