The disqualification of opposition leader Omar Ayub has thrown Pakistan’s Election Commission appointments into limbo, further complicating a process already stalled for months.
Under the Constitution, the prime minister and the opposition leader must consult before appointing a new chief election commissioner (CEC) and two commission members.
Only after this consultation are names forwarded to a parliamentary committee for final approval.
With Omar Ayub disqualified, the process cannot resume until a new opposition leader is formally elected. Sources confirmed that the prime minister’s office has been unable to initiate the required dialogue due to this political vacuum.
Background of the deadlock
The stalemate began months ago when the five-year constitutional term of the CEC and two members ended on January 25. According to the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the incumbents can continue in office until replacements are appointed.
Despite a letter from the prime minister seeking consultation, Omar Ayub did not respond. Instead, he wrote directly to the Speaker of the National Assembly, requesting a committee be formed. The Speaker, however, directed the prime minister to first consult with the opposition leader, prolonging the impasse.
