ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Federal government and opposition on Tuesday agreed to appoint members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) by July 25 and decided to exchange names of members on Thursday.
The decision was taken in a meeting between Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Opposition Leader Khursheed Shah held at Parliament House for consultation on the appointment of members.
During the meeting, Khursheed Shah sought time from government for appointment of members due to the meeting of opposition parties on Wednesday.
Both leaders agreed to share names of new members with each other in next meeting.
It may be mentioned here that after the ECP was rendered incomplete with the retirement of its four members on June 12, the electoral process has been at halt across the country including mayoral or deputy mayoral elections, bye-polls in various constituencies and notification of newly-elected parliamentarians.
According to the constitution government and opposition are bound to appoint ECP`s members within 45 days after their retirement.
Due to the non-appointment of the new members, the Election Commission could not hold by-elections in 10 constituencies and Local Government elections in 22 constituencies of the country.
