Election Commission Has Independent Authority, No Need for Separate Council: EC’s Letter to Commission

Staff Reporter

The Election Commission (EC) has expressed disagreement with several proposals made by the National Consensus Commission for electoral reform. A letter signed by Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed was sent on Monday, March 17, stating that the Election Commission has its own independent authority and does not require a separate autonomous council.

The letter supported keeping NID services within the EC and opposed recommendations for introducing provisions for penalizing election commissioners. It also stated that there is no need for a separate commission for boundary demarcation as the EC already has the authority.

The letter further mentioned that existing laws under the Election Commission are sufficient to address electoral issues, and there is no relevance for new laws in this regard. It also commented that conducting local and national elections simultaneously under a caretaker government is not feasible.

Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed the matter regarding the issuance of the letter.