Pakistan Presidential Polls Set To Take Place On March 9 | All You Need To Know

Amidst ongoing challenges stemming from the general elections, Pakistan is currently in the process of preparing for the election of a new president by March 9.

This comes as the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is tasked with orchestrating the election for the country's top constitutional office.

Photo Credit: PTI

Pakistan Presidential polls on March 9

The election is scheduled just two days before half of the 100-member Senate's members retire. A coalition government, led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) under Shehbaz Sharif's leadership, has announced Asif Ali Zardari, a former president, as its consensus candidate for the presidency.

As per Article 41(4) of the Constitution, the presidential election must be conducted between sixty and thirty days before the incumbent's term ends. With the recent general elections held on February 8, the deadline for the presidential election falls on March 9. Additionally, Senate elections, initially planned for early March, are expected to be postponed due to delays in the general elections. Consequently, the upper house of parliament will experience a temporary period of incompleteness.

Political parties are strategically manoeuvring to ensure Zardari's victory in the presidential election. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has opted to abstain from swearing in two senators in the Sindh Assembly. This tactical move leverages the voting formula to maximize Zardari's support, as each senator's vote carries significant weight in the presidential election, unlike in the provincial assembly where one vote equates to nearly four votes.

Incumbent President Dr. Arif Alvi, whose term ended on September 9 last year, continues to hold office until a successor is chosen. Dr. Alvi is the country's fourth democratically elected president to complete a full term and the third consecutive president to do so. However, due to an incomplete electoral college, his term has been extended.

Following the February 8 polls, the Senate landscape is poised for change. Both the PML-N and PPP face significant retirements but also potential gains. Conversely, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) faces challenges if intra-party elections are not conducted before the Senate polls.

The total strength of the Senate, previously 100, will now decrease to 96 following the merger of erstwhile tribal areas with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Consequently, the upcoming elections will usher in 48 new senators.

The Senate, where half of the members retire every three years, plays a crucial role in Pakistan's legislative landscape. As preparations for the presidential and Senate elections unfold, political dynamics are set to undergo significant shifts in the coming months.