ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Acting President of Azad Kashmir Chaudhry Latif Akbar has reacted to the rejection of his nomination papers and has decided to file appeal against the Returning Officer’s decision.
Chaudhry Latif Akbar said that the rejection of the Speaker/Acting President’s papers by the Returning Officer of Constituency LA-31 Khawra is baseless and malicious because Article 5 of the Constitution applies to a President elected by the Assembly and that he would be formally sworn in, while an Acting President operates under a separate Article 9, for whom an oath is not necessary.
Chaudhry Latif Akbar further said that the Acting President is not elected by the Assembly; rather, whoever is the Speaker automatically performs the duties of Acting President when the President’s office becomes vacant.
“An elected President (who is elected by the Assembly) cannot be a member of the assembly, whereas an Acting President, who is also the Speaker, is a member of the Assembly, and no person who is not a member can become a Speaker, while it is necessary for the President not to be an Assembly member.”
He said that despite such a clear difference, the Returning Officer misinterpreted the Constitution and rejected his nomination papers, which, he said, are unconstitutional, illegal, and unacceptable in every respect.
The Acting President said that there is no clause in both the Election Act and the Constitution regarding qualification and disqualification that prevents an Acting President from participating in elections. He hoped that the nomination papers will be restored on appeal.
Chaudhry Latif Akbar’s PRO
On the other hand, Chaudhry Latif Akbar’s PRO Murad Anjum said that a decision has been made to pursue legal action against the objection raised on the nomination papers.
According to him, if necessary, the legal team will also approach all constitutional and legal forums, including the High Court and Supreme Court.
Murad Anjum appealed to the workers to keep their spirits high, stating that they will contest this election vigorously and successfully present their stance through legal and democratic means.
