Govt, opposition begin talks on new election chief

Consultations have begun between the offices of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai to arrange a meeting on the appointment of a new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).

Achakzai confirmed on Friday that discussions between the two offices were underway following a letter from Prime Minister Shehbaz seeking a meeting with the opposition leader.

The proposed meeting is expected to focus on the constitutional process for appointing a new CEC and two members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) representing Sindh and Balochistan.

Achakzai had earlier written to the prime minister urging the government to initiate the process for appointing the new officials.

The latest development could mark an important step towards opening a channel of dialogue between the government and opposition on electoral and other political matters.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders also held a meeting at the chamber of Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas. The meeting was chaired by Achakzai and attended by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser and other opposition figures.

According to opposition representatives, the meeting discussed preparations for the PTI’s planned September 27 protest. Achakzai and Raja Nasir Abbas directed PTI leaders to ensure full preparations for the demonstration.

The participants also discussed the proposed meeting between Achakzai and the prime minister following Shehbaz’s letter.

The move comes after National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq had called for greater political harmony and stability. During an earlier parliamentary session, he had urged the prime minister to initiate dialogue with the opposition, suggesting that consultations over the appointment of a new CEC could serve as a starting point.

The appointment of a new election commissioner has remained pending for an extended period. The five-year constitutional term of former CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja expired on January 26, 2025.

Raja and the ECP members representing Sindh and Balochistan have continued to perform their duties despite the expiry of their terms.

Under Article 215 of the Constitution, the appointments were required to be made within 45 days of the positions becoming vacant. However, a provision introduced through the 26th Constitutional Amendment allows the CEC and ECP members to continue in office until their successors are appointed.

The appointment process requires consultation between the prime minister and the opposition leader, making Achakzai’s proposed meeting with Shehbaz an important step in filling the vacant constitutional positions.

The opposition has previously raised concerns over Raja’s tenure and decisions taken by the ECP, including the controversy surrounding PTI’s electoral symbol ahead of the 2024 general elections.