New CEC to be appointed with consensus: PM

ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday said the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) would be app

Published January 31, 2012 Updated January 31, 2012 05:46pm

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By Muhammad Iqbal

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"The Chief Election Commissioner will also be appointed in consensus with all the political parties after the retirement of incumbent CEC, as we did in the case of the appointment of members of Election Commission," Gilani said while responding to the queries of callers from general public in a live "Prime Minister Online" television programme, co-hosted by Pakistan Television and Dunya TV.

During the live question-answer television programme, co- hosted by PTV and a private television channel every month, the Prime Minister expressed his views on various issues of national interest including the domestic political situation, economic matters, law and order, foreign relations etc.

Regarding the hue and cry made by the opposition on the occasion of the appointment of Chairman NAB, Prime Minister Gilani said there was a big difference between the appointment of CEC and the Chairman NAB, adding, the Chairman NAB is appointed by the President in consultation with the Leader of House and the Leader of Opposition. "Consultation does not mean consensus," he remarked.

To a question about speculations and statement regarding the dates and timing of the next general elections, Gilani said unlike the past when there was article 58-2b, and the governments and assemblies with two-third majority were removed and dissolved unconstitutionally, but now it is the Prime Minister's prerogative to call elections.

The Prime Minister, however, added that he has already stated that after the holding of Senate elections in February-March and the new budget in May, government was ready to sit with the opposition to discuss this matter (next elections).

Prime Minister Gilani in response to a question about the preparation of voters lists assured that there would be free, fair and transparent elections.

He said PPP was not a one-timer party, it had come into power by contesting elections and not through an overnight change, adding, "We want transparent elections."

The Prime Minister said though the matter of voters list and the right of vote to Overseas Pakistanis was before the court, but he desired that the Overseas Pakistanis were given the right to vote.

"This would be the first government, when there would be a smooth transition (of power)," he said.

To a question about the proposed 20th Constitutional Amendment and the issue of new provinces, the Prime Minister said, the agenda of the National Assembly session, commencing on Wednesday, would pertain to the bye-elections, as the Supreme Courts wants the nod of Parliament, adding, "We are evolving consensus in this respect."

As far as the issue of new provinces is concerned, it will also be brought to the parliament by building consensus, he added.

About Seraiki province, the Prime Minister said, Seraiki area had a history, as Multan used to be a part of Sindh, adding, if the issue was taken up jointly by the coalition partners and consensus was evolved, he did not see any problem for creation of Seraiki province.

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