Politics

Pakistan’s National Assembly Dissolved, Elections Expected

2 weeks ago
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A significant political development has unfolded as Pakistani Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar dissolved the National Assembly, paving the way for upcoming general elections. The dissolution occurred on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s political timeline. This action sets the stage for the appointment of a caretaker government to oversee the electoral process and ensure a smooth transition of power.

Key Facts

  • On Wednesday, August 9, 2023, Pakistani Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar dissolved the National Assembly.
  • The dissolution of the National Assembly was carried out on the advice of the outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
  • The Prime Minister has signed a summary to dissolve the National Assembly and sent it to the President.
  • The President of Pakistan has signed the summary for the dissolution of the National Assembly.
  • The current government’s term was scheduled to end on August 12, 2023.
  • Dissolving the assembly three days before the end of its term means elections must be held within 90 days.
  • If the assembly had completed its term, elections would have been required within 60 days.
  • The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is responsible for determining the exact election date.
  • The process to select a caretaker Prime Minister has now commenced, involving consultation between the outgoing Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

Background

The National Assembly of Pakistan is the lower house of the Parliament, playing a crucial role in the country’s legislative process. The dissolution of the assembly is a constitutional mechanism that triggers the election cycle. According to the Constitution of Pakistan, the Prime Minister can advise the President to dissolve the National Assembly, especially near the end of its designated term. The timing of this dissolution is significant because it affects the timeframe within which the general elections must be held.

The normal term for the National Assembly is five years. The government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was approaching the end of its tenure, which was set to conclude on August 12, 2023. However, the decision to dissolve the assembly a few days prior to this date has implications for the election timeline. By dissolving the assembly before the completion of its term, the Constitution dictates that the elections must be conducted within 90 days, providing a slightly extended preparation period compared to the 60 days that would have been mandated had the assembly completed its full term.

The political context surrounding this dissolution involves a transition period where a caretaker government will assume responsibility for overseeing the country’s affairs until the new government is elected and sworn in. The caretaker government’s primary duty is to maintain neutrality and ensure that the elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner, without influencing the outcome in favor of any particular political party or candidate. The establishment of a caretaker government is a standard practice in Pakistan’s democratic process to prevent any potential abuse of power by the outgoing government during the election period. The selection process for the caretaker Prime Minister involves consultations between the outgoing Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly. If they cannot agree on a candidate, the matter is referred to a parliamentary committee. In the event that the committee also fails to reach a consensus, the final decision rests with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). You can read more about the election process in Pakistan from the Election Commission of Pakistan’s official website.

Timeline / What We Know

The sequence of events leading to the dissolution of Pakistan’s National Assembly can be outlined as follows:

  • August 9, 2023: Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar dissolved the National Assembly on the advice of outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
  • August 9, 2023: The summary for the dissolution was signed by the Prime Minister and sent to the President for approval.
  • August 9, 2023: The President of Pakistan signed the summary, officially dissolving the National Assembly.
  • Before August 12, 2023: The National Assembly was originally scheduled to complete its term on August 12, 2023.
  • Within 90 days: As a result of the dissolution before the term’s end, general elections must now be held within 90 days from August 9, 2023.

The source did not specify the exact timings of each of these events on August 9, 2023, but they all occurred on the same day.

The timelines are determined by constitutional requirements. According to the Constitution, dissolving the assembly prematurely extends the deadline for holding elections to 90 days. Had the assembly completed its full term, the election would need to be held within 60 days. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is responsible for determining the specific date for the election within this timeframe.

Official Reactions

The dissolution of the National Assembly followed the advice of outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, indicating a coordinated decision-making process between the government and the Prime Minister. The President’s signing of the summary formalized the dissolution, adhering to constitutional procedures. The source did not specify any official statements or reactions from political parties, government officials, or other stakeholders regarding the dissolution of the National Assembly. Without specific details, it is challenging to provide a comprehensive view of the immediate reactions to this development. Further statements from key political figures and parties are anticipated as the country transitions into the election phase.

What’s Next

Following the dissolution of the National Assembly, several key steps are to be undertaken:

  • Caretaker Government Formation: The immediate priority is the establishment of a caretaker government, which will oversee the administration of the country until a new government is elected. Consultations between the outgoing Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition will determine the selection of the caretaker Prime Minister. If consensus cannot be reached, the matter will be decided by a parliamentary committee or, ultimately, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
  • Election Date Announcement: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will announce the date for the general elections. Given that the assembly was dissolved before completing its term, the elections must be held within 90 days from August 9, 2023. The specific date will depend on logistical considerations, security assessments, and other factors that fall under the ECP’s purview.
  • Political Campaigns: Political parties will commence their election campaigns, presenting their platforms and seeking the support of the electorate. This period will involve rallies, media appearances, and policy debates as parties compete for votes.
  • General Elections: The general elections will be held, allowing citizens to cast their votes for their preferred candidates and political parties. The election process will be managed by the ECP, with measures in place to ensure fairness, transparency, and security.
  • Government Formation: Following the elections, the winning party or coalition of parties will form the new government. The newly elected members of the National Assembly will elect a Prime Minister, who will then form a cabinet to run the affairs of the state.

The exact timeline for these events will depend on various factors. The caretaker government formation could take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the ease of reaching a consensus. The ECP is expected to announce the election date within the coming weeks, taking into account all relevant considerations. Political campaigns will likely span several weeks, leading up to the election date. The entire process, from the dissolution of the assembly to the formation of the new government, is expected to conclude within approximately three months, in accordance with the constitutional requirements. Here is an **internal link** to a related article about Pakistani politics: Pakistan’s Evolving Political Landscape

The selection of the caretaker Prime Minister is a crucial step that requires careful consideration and agreement between the outgoing government and the opposition. This process typically takes a few days to a week, but could potentially extend longer if there are disagreements or challenges in finding a mutually acceptable candidate. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) plays a central role in managing and overseeing the entire election process, from voter registration to the announcement of results. The ECP operates independently to ensure impartiality and credibility in the electoral process. The methodology for ensuring free and fair elections includes measures such as voter identification, transparent ballot counting, and monitoring by independent observers. The specific methodologies employed by the ECP are not detailed in the source, but they are designed to uphold the integrity of the election process.