Preparations are afoot to choose an interim setup that is constitutionally bound to hold free, fair and transparent elections in the country. However, the parliamentary history of Pakistan bears testimony to the fact that every losing party whatsoever had leveled serious pre-poll and post-poll rigging allegations besides lambasting the interim setup for its “lopsided approach and ineptness” to hold free and fair elections in the country and the 2013 general elections serve as a typical example in this regard. So far as the formation of a non-partisan administration is concerned Pakistan is amongst many countries where elections are held under the caretaker government to make sure that the transfer of power from one elected government to another is made in a transparent manner. As per the constitution of Pakistan the prime minister has a prerogative to appoint a non-partisan caretaker prime minister in due consultation with the leader of opposition in the National Assembly. In case they fail to pick a consensus nominee the matter would be referred to parliamentary committee, even if the committee fails to develop consensus, the ECP would be the final authority to appoint a candidate as caretaker PM.
Pertinently, the 18th Constitutional Amendment, adopted in April 2010, has been a landmark legislation that provides a comprehensive legal framework for the appointment of a consensus candidate for the highest slot. It is in lieu of this constitutional framework that a meeting between Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and opposition leader was held recently wherein both the leaders besides contemplating on other issues of national interest had discussed the names of potential candidates for caretaker PM. The incumbent government’s five year constitutional term is due to expire by the end of May, and assemblies (National and provincial) are going to be dissolved on May 30, after which the caretaker government will take reigns to hold the general elections, likely to be held in the last week of July or first week of August 2018.
Opposition leader had hinted at bringing such a person who could be able to safeguard democracy in Pakistan. Shah is said to have discussed the matter with the leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and other parties. Although the consultation process regarding the appointment of caretaker is going on but the main opposition party is yet to decide on its nominees for the position of caretaker premier. It is hoped that the names of potential candidates would be finalised in the due course of time. In the present messy situation it would be quite surprising to see if the warring political parties reach an agreement on caretaker premier and chief ministers in the provinces. However, questions will certainly be raised in case the elected representatives fail to reach an agreement. In such a scenario the democratic forces will have no excuse whatsoever to put blame on other institutions for intervention. So to initiate an action now the responsibility lies with the political parties having the ball in their court. A politically mature decision on the part of ruling and opposition parties in this regard would certainly go a long way to strengthen the democracy and democratic process in the country.
