Zardari's powers to appoint election commissioner set to be clipped

Islamabad, Jan. 6 (ANI): Pakistan's parliamentary committee on constitutional reforms has agreed to clip the president's powers to appoint the Chief Election Commissioner.

According to the Dawn, the committee, which has been reviewing the constitution articles for almost the past five months, has agreed that appointment of the CEC would be made through a joint parliamentary committee, as envisaged in the Charter of Democracy.

Adhering to clause 27 of the charter, the prime minister, in consultation with leader of opposition, shall forward up to three names for each position of chief election commissioner, members of election commission, and secretary to joint parliamentary committee through transparent public hearing process.

In case of no consensus, both prime minister and leader of opposition shall forward separate lists to the joint parliamentary committee for consideration.

The committee also agreed to extend the term of office of the CEC from three years to five.

During his regime, former president Gen Ziaul Haq had inserted a clause in the constitution, which gave the president of Pakistan all the power to appoint the election commissioner.

Article 214(1) of the Constitution states: "There shall be a Chief Election Commissioner who shall be appointed by the President (in his discretion)." (ANI)