National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to expedite ECP appointments, calling for the selection of a new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commission of Pakistan members representing Sindh and Balochistan. In a letter sent to the prime minister on August 10, Achakzai highlighted what he described as an urgent constitutional responsibility concerning the composition of the country’s electoral watchdog.
Achakzai, who also heads the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) and the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, said the statutory terms of the CEC and the ECP members from Sindh and Balochistan had expired on January 26, 2025. He argued that filling the vacant positions was necessary to ensure the commission could continue functioning effectively and maintain public confidence.
Terms Expired in January 2025
According to Achakzai, the positions requiring new appointments include the office of the Chief Election Commissioner as well as ECP members representing Sindh and Balochistan.
He said the prolonged delay in making the ECP appointments could affect the operational continuity and credibility of the institution responsible for overseeing elections in Pakistan.
The Election Commission plays a central role in conducting elections, maintaining electoral records, implementing election laws and ensuring that the democratic process operates according to constitutional requirements. Its composition is therefore considered particularly important for political parties and voters.
Achakzai’s intervention comes as opposition parties continue to raise questions about electoral transparency and institutional independence.
Constitutional Procedure Highlighted
In his letter, Achakzai referred to constitutional provisions governing the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and provincial ECP members.
He specifically cited Article 213(2A), under which the prime minister, in consultation with the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, forwards three names for the appointment of the CEC to a parliamentary committee for consideration and confirmation.
Achakzai also referred to Article 218, which establishes the procedure for appointing ECP members representing the provinces.
According to his interpretation, the appointment process requires meaningful consultation between the prime minister and opposition leader before candidates are sent to the relevant parliamentary committee.
He urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to initiate the consultation process and meet with him to discuss and finalise suitable candidates for the positions.
Opposition Seeks Immediate Action
The demand for ECP appointments reflects the opposition’s broader emphasis on strengthening constitutional institutions.
Achakzai argued that the continued vacancy or delayed replacement of key officials could weaken the commission’s effectiveness at a time when public trust in electoral institutions remains an important political issue.
He stressed that the new appointments should be made through the constitutional process and with the involvement of both the government and opposition.
A transparent consultation process could also help reduce political disagreements over the credibility and independence of the Election Commission.
Earlier Consultation Process
The issue of appointing a new Chief Election Commissioner is not entirely new.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had previously invited then National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub for consultations regarding the appointment of a CEC in June of the previous year.
However, the political situation subsequently changed. The National Assembly removed Omar Ayub and other PTI-backed lawmakers from prominent parliamentary positions following developments linked to their disqualification by the Election Commission in cases related to the May 9 events.
As a result, the consultation process concerning the senior electoral positions remained unresolved.
The delay has now prompted Achakzai to formally raise the matter with the prime minister.
Importance of a Strong Election Commission
The Election Commission of Pakistan is responsible for administering and supervising the country’s electoral process. Its independence and credibility are essential for ensuring that elections are conducted according to law.
For political parties, the appointment of senior election officials is particularly sensitive because these officials oversee processes that directly affect political competition.
The ECP appointments therefore carry significance beyond simply filling vacant positions. They can influence perceptions of institutional neutrality and public confidence in future electoral processes.
A consultation process involving both government and opposition could help ensure that the selected candidates enjoy broader political acceptance.
Achakzai’s letter puts renewed pressure on the government to move forward with the appointment process.
The prime minister and opposition leadership will need to engage in constitutional consultations before names can be formally considered by the parliamentary committee.
The key challenge will be reaching agreement on candidates who are regarded as competent, impartial and capable of maintaining the independence of the electoral watchdog.
Achakzai has called for immediate action and a meeting with the prime minister. The next stage of the process will depend on whether meaningful consultations begin and whether the political leadership can reach consensus on the proposed ECP appointments.
Resolving the issue could help strengthen the commission’s institutional continuity while also addressing concerns about the credibility and independence of Pakistan’s electoral system.
