ISLAMABAD:
With Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja’s five-year term set to expire on January 26, the countdown has begun for a crucial transition in the electoral machinery amid a political deadlock that potentially threatens timely appointment of his successor.
However, according to the 26th Constitutional Amendment, he will continue in office until a successor is named.
Apart from the CEC, members representing Sindh and Balochistan in the commission will also retire on the same date. They will also continue their responsibilities until new appointments are finalized.
The process of appointing a new CEC and its members has not yet begun as consultations between the prime minister and the opposition leader remain stalled.
According to the Constitution, both leaders must engage in discussions to finalize the appointments of the CEC and its members.
In the event of a tie between the prime minister and the opposition leader, the matter is referred to a parliamentary committee. The committee, formed by the president of the National Assembly, is made up of 12 members, with equal representation from the government and the opposition.
If a consensus is still not reached, each party submits three names to the parliamentary committee for each vacant position. If the committee fails to reach an agreement, the matter is referred to the Supreme Court for resolution.
According to the constitutional framework, the appointment of the new CEC and its members must be completed within 45 days.
However, until new appointments are made, the current incumbents will continue to perform their duties. The eligibility criteria for the CCA includes persons below the age of 68, who may be retired Supreme Court judges, technocrats or bureaucrats.
Among the members of the commission, eligible candidates include retired High Court judges, bureaucrats and technocrats below 65 years of age.
