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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Tuesday said the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) would be appointed in consensus with all political parties, as the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) wanted to ensure free, fair and transparent general elections in the country.
“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 a private news channel.
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).
