Pakistani President dissolves national assembly, sets stage for upcoming elections

This action has set the stage for upcoming elections in the South Asian nation.

On Thursday, Pakistan witnessed a pivotal moment in its political journey as President Arif Alvi officially dissolved the National Assembly in accordance with the advice put forth by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The decision, executed under the provisions of Article 58-1 of the Constitution, ushers in a period of anticipation and preparation as the nation braces for an electoral transformation.

The National Assembly, having completed its constitutionally-mandated five-year term, was slated to conclude on August 12. The dissolution of the assembly at this juncture grants the caretaker government a window of 90 days to meticulously orchestrate a general election.

This extended timeframe stands in contrast to the conventional 60-day period afforded by the Constitution had the assembly's dissolution coincided with the end of its term.

While the impending election is expected to occur before November, a new variable has entered the equation. A recent governmental decision to endorse the outcomes of a comprehensive digital census has introduced a layer of uncertainty.

As stipulated by constitutional guidelines, the Election Commission is now obligated to redraw constituency boundaries based on the latest population data emerging from the census. This process, potentially extending over a span of six months, carries the potential to postpone the scheduled polling day.

Recognizing the logistical challenges ahead, the Election Commission has publicly acknowledged its inability to manage a general election within the three-month timeframe allotted, should constituency boundaries require revision based on the newly collated population figures.

This acknowledgment adds a layer of complexity to the electoral timeline, prompting discussions about potential adjustments that may need to be made to ensure a smooth and well-organized election process. (ILKHA)