Khursheed Shah hopeful of CEC appointment in next few days

ISLAMABAD: Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah on Thursday said a new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) will be finalised within next two to three days.

Speaking to media representatives following a meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, he said Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has discussed Saaeduz Zaman Siddiqui, Rana Bhagwan Das and Ajmal Mian for the post of the CEC.

“It is our desire to appoint the CEC with consensus and for that purpose I will also consult with other opposition parties including Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) to take them into confidence in this regard,” Shah said.

Speaking to reporters, PTI vice-chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi later confirmed that the opposition leader contacted his party to consult on the appointment of CEC, adding that PTI has recommended Justice (retd) Nasir Aslam Zahid for the position.

Sources close to the development regarding the appointment of CEC told Dawn that the government was not interested in appointing Ajmal Mian, while the PPP had objections on the appointment of Saeeduz Zaman Siddiqui.

It is pertinent to mention here that the office of CEC has been vacant since the resignation of Fakhruddin G. Ibrahim in August 2013.

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Comments (18) Closed

MSAlvi

Nov 06, 2014 06:17pm

The commissioner may be appointed with consensus, but the more important issue is that the appointment must not be delayed any more and the CEC should proceed with his responsibility immediately. Election frauds, election reforms and delays must be taken care of ASAP. PMLn is dragging its feet on this and all other issues purposely.

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Nov 06, 2014 06:20pm

If hopes were horses, his horse would have won every time it took part in a race.

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Lucky Star

Nov 06, 2014 06:34pm

My vote is for Rana Bagwan Das. His appointment might give minority some sense of safety and entitlement.

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responsible

Nov 06, 2014 06:35pm

Both the parties are trying to appoint the person in their favor having following qualities 1. Having background of some sought of corruption scandal 2. Having age more than 60 years, who can do nothing except support them once again 3. Have to say "yes" on every action of government including election in their favour Person meet above criteria shall be eligible for CEC or C

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Nov 06, 2014 07:05pm

All three nominees are more than 70 years old. Reorganizing the ECP is a herculean task which requires not just professional capabilities but also vigor and energy. We have the example of last CEC in front of us. But I guess the government and opposition don't want anyone who can really make a difference...

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Koi nahin

Nov 06, 2014 07:06pm

Can we choose someone younger please? Justice Nasir Aslam Zahid, like Justice Fakhruddin G. Ibrahim is far too old to handle nation wide monitoring. Age itself is not the issue, but energy, dynamism and fully intact mental faculties are essential for holding everyone in line.

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Z Khan

Nov 06, 2014 07:09pm

all respectable names but Bhagwan Das is the best option.

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syed baqar ahsan

Nov 06, 2014 07:14pm

Shah gi -Why so concerned about CEC appointment,let something be non political appointee in election commission.

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Nov 06, 2014 08:46pm

Why these politician have to make decisions kicking and screaming. Before he needed three months. Now courts have forced them to make a decision and vola no problem be done in few days.Politics before countries well being.

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AJamal

Nov 06, 2014 09:44pm

Shahji needed a rebuke from the Supreme Court.

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Shuaib Bhat

Nov 06, 2014 10:05pm

When PTI will lose a single election watch PTI cry and hurled unsubstantiated claims against him.

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Nov 06, 2014 10:14pm

Bhagwan Das is the best option. I think he will be more assertive than others.

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Kamran

Nov 06, 2014 10:45pm

Govt and apposition are both the beneficiaries of the election. They should not be allowed to pick their guy for the post of Chief Election Commissioner. This post should be filled by an institution that is not a beneficiary of the election or this post should be filled by referendum or by the vote of the people. Anyone who is a Pakistani Citizen, Educated, no corruption or any criminal charges on him/her and has some experience in managing big department or company should be allowed to nominate him/herself and people should vote to make him/herself a Chief Election Commissioner. These are very easy solutions but are very difficult to implement in so called Pakistani democracy.

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@H__3

Nov 06, 2014 11:44pm

Why does it has to be a judge? Why not appoint someone who is a good administrator? Judge have limited exposure to administrative responsibilities.

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N. Rahim

Nov 07, 2014 05:55am

@Lucky Star He has already opted out as per the new article.

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Syed

Nov 07, 2014 06:01am

@Lucky Star pro nawaz,