MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The important position of Chief Election Commissioner has remained vacant for the last six months, causing growing concern over the country’s electoral process. Despite three to four meetings between Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq and Opposition Leader Khawaja Farooq, no final decision could be made.
Due to continuous delays and a lack of formal consultation in recent months, Khawaja Farooq has now directly sent a list of names for the Chief Election Commissioner appointment to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. According to sources, this step was taken as part of Khawaja Farooq’s constitutional responsibility to ensure the timely filling of the position.
Sources added that the Prime Minister had not invited the Opposition Leader for any discussions over the past two to three months. This delay, according to political observers, has not only complicated the situation for Khawaja Farooq but has also negatively affected the democratic process.
Political analysts believe the absence of a Chief Election Commissioner is raising serious questions about the transparency of the next general elections and the overall performance of the Election Commission. The timely appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner is seen as crucial to ensure fair, transparent, and credible elections.
So far, the names suggested by Khawaja Farooq have not been publicly disclosed. However, pressure is building on the government to act fast and seriously to resolve this issue.
