ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has proposed an amendment to the Constitution to extend the duration of the caretaker government and allow more time for election preparations.
According to sources, the ECP’s Legal Reforms Committee has sent its recommendations to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, suggesting amendments to Article 224(1) of the Constitution.
Under the proposal, elections should be held within 120 days instead of 90 days in case of assembly dissolution, and within 90 days instead of 60 days after the expiry of the assembly’s term.
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The ECP has also recommended that the election campaign period be extended from 28 days to 45 days to facilitate candidates and ensure a fair process.
Sources within the ECP said that printing of ballot papers often faces delays due to legal proceedings and the issuance of the election schedule. The proposed changes aim to ensure adequate preparation time and smooth execution of the electoral process.
Extending the caretaker government’s tenure, the ECP emphasized, is intended to ensure “comprehensive and transparent preparations” for the general elections.
