February 24, 2026
ISLAMABAD – These concerns have been magnified by the controversies that have surrounded the ECP in recent years.
The conduct and timing of the 2024 general elections, decisions affecting the electoral participation of the PTI, and disputes over reserved seats all attracted criticism and formal litigation.
The delay in fresh appointments to the ECP was previously attributed to legal and political hurdles that prevented the last opposition leader from working with the government.
However, with the formal notification of Mehmood Khan Achakzai as leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, the constitutional mechanism for consultation over the appointment is once again fully operational.
The responsibility now rests squarely with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Mr Achakzai to begin formal consultations and agree on a mutually acceptable appointment.
More delay will only be seen as political reluctance, which will reinforce perceptions of the ECP’s institutional fragility, deepen political polarisation and undermine public confidence in Pakistan’s floundering poll system.
The PM and the leader of the opposition must, therefore, fulfil their obligation. A prompt and consensus-based appointment could restore confidence in the ECP and reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to democratic principles.