The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is gearing up to conduct the presidential election on March 9, just a day before the commencement of Ramadan, as reported by The News. A senior ECP official confirmed the proposal, pending approval, which would initiate the electoral process involving parliament and provincial legislatures.
According to Article 41 of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the president must be elected not earlier than sixty days and not later than thirty days before the expiration of the incumbent’s term. Dr Arif Alvi, the current president, completed his term on September 8 last year but continues to hold office due to the absence of legislatures, barring the Senate.
In light of a power-sharing agreement between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Shehbaz Sharif is set to vie for the prime ministerial slot, while ex-president Asif Ali Zardari aims to reclaim the head of state position.
President Alvi, prepared for another presidential bid pending his party’s designation, would mark his candidacy for the third time in the country’s history. Sources indicate that he’s made arrangements to vacate the Presidency upon retirement, entitled to privileges as a former head of state.
Notably, 47 Senate members completing their six-year terms on March 11 will participate in the presidential poll, with the election of 53 new Senate members coinciding on the same day. This marks the culmination of parliamentary elections, with the new president expected to assume office in the same week.
