ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) reportedly aims to hold the presidential election on March 9, just ahead of Ramadan, as per recent reports from Private Media.
Confirming this, a senior ECP official stated that there’s a firm proposal for the election on March 9, pending approval. Subsequently, the electoral process schedule will be issued, involving parliament and provincial legislatures.
The upcoming presidential election, scheduled for next month, will mark the 14th presidency transition. Dr. Arif Alvi, the current president, concluded his five-year term on September 8 last year but continues in office due to legislative circumstances, excluding the Senate of Pakistan.
Per Article 41 of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the President must be a Muslim, at least forty-five years old, and eligible to be a member of the National Assembly.
The election process involves an electoral college comprising members of both Houses and Provincial Assemblies.
As part of a power-sharing agreement between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Shehbaz Sharif is slated to contest for the prime ministerial position, while former President Asif Ali Zardari aims for the presidency again, given their and their allies’ legislative support.
President Alvi is also prepared to contest for the presidency if nominated by his party. Notably, he would be the third president to complete a constitutional tenure in Pakistan’s history.
Sources indicate President Alvi’s readiness to step down and enjoy privileges and benefits as a former head of state upon retirement.
Additionally, 47 Senate members, completing their six-year term on March 11, will participate in the presidential poll.
The election of 53 new Senate members on the same day will conclude the parliamentary elections, coinciding with the assumption of office by the new president.
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
