Pakistan to elect President on Sept 6

Islamabad, Aug 22: 30 days being the time-limit for the President post to be filled, Election Commission of Pakistan on Friday, Aug 22 a while ago announced that the next presidential election will be held on Sept 6. The need for the election arose after Musharraf resigned on Monday, Aug 18.

Election Commission Secretary Kanwar Dilshad said the nomination paper will be received from Aug. 26, and the polling will take place from 10 am to 3 pm on Sept 6 at provincial and national assemblies simultaneously, a Pakistani TV channel quoted Dilshad as saying. Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf announced his resignation on Monday, and as per the Pakistani Constitution the presidential election has to be held within 30 days of the vacation of the post.

The electoral college for the presidential election includes the four provincial assemblies, the National Assembly and the Senate.

Pakistan's ruling parties have not yet reached a consensus on presidential candidacy, but reports said Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari is poised to be the presidential candidate.

ANI