In accordance with the provisions of the Pakistan Constitution, the elected Chairman of the Election Commission is mandated to assume charge within one week of the election results. The recent approval of the resignation submitted by Zaka Ashraf by the Caretaker Prime Minister on January 22, through an official notification, marked a pivotal moment in this constitutional process. With the acceptance of the resignation, the constitutional powers of the Chairman have been transferred to the Election Commissioner Shah Khawar.
As the acting Chairman, Shah Khawar’s initial task is to facilitate the formation of the Chief Election Commissioner’s office. Once the CEC office is established, an extraordinary session of the Election Commission is anticipated to be convened, specifically for the purpose of conducting elections. Notably, the Prime Minister has nominated the caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, for the position of Chief Election Commissioner, making him a strong contender for the role.
However, owing to the requirements of the ECP laws, Mohsin Naqvi must resign from his official position before assuming the role of Chairman. The period leading up to the end of February provides Mohsin Naqvi with an opportunity to fulfill his responsibilities as the caretaker Chief Minister, concluding his tenure in all official capacities.
This transitional phase in the Election Commission’s leadership is critical, considering the significance of the upcoming elections and the responsibilities entrusted to the Chairman. The constitutional adherence and procedural steps outlined in this process aim to ensure a smooth and transparent transition, upholding the principles of democracy and governance.
As Pakistan navigates this pivotal moment in its electoral landscape, the nomination of Mohsin Naqvi and the subsequent processes will play a crucial role in shaping the leadership of the Election Commission and its role in overseeing the democratic processes of the country.
