The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has proposed an amendment to Article 224 (1) of the constitution for increasing the term of a caretaker government from 90 days to 120 days in the event of a dissolution of the National Assembly (NA) and from 60 days to 90 days in case the assembly completes its term, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The ECP’s Legal Reforms Committee sent these recommendations to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs on Monday.
One recommendation was to increase the duration of an election campaign from 28 days to 45 days.
Sources in the election commission told the 24News TV channel that the purpose of these proposals was to ensure that political parties had ample time to prepare for the general elections.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has proposed an amendment to Article 224 (1) of the constitution for expanding the term of a caretaker government from 90 days to 120 days in the event of a dissolution of the National Assembly (NA) and from 60 days to 90 days in case the assembly completes its term, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The ECP’s Legal Reforms Committee sent these recommendations to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs on Monday which are aimed at to ensure smoother and more transparent elections.
One recommendation was to increase the duration of an election campaign from 28 days to 45 days.
Sources in the election commission told the 24News TV channel that the purpose of these proposals was to ensure that political parties had ample time to prepare for the general elections.
The ECP’s suggested changes focus on Article 224(1) of the Constitution, which governs the period allowed for holding elections after an assembly’s dissolution.
Under the proposed amendment, elections would be conducted within 120 days instead of the current 90 days if an assembly is dissolved before completing its term. For assemblies that complete their tenure, the election period would increase from 60 to 90 days.
The Commission has also recommended extending the campaign period from 28 days to 45 days, allowing political parties and candidates more time to connect with voters and run their campaigns effectively.
ECP officials explained that the extended timeframe would help manage technical and logistical challenges, including the printing of ballot papers, voter list updates, and court-related delays that often disrupt the election schedule.
According to the Commission, the proposed reforms are designed to strengthen transparency and efficiency in the electoral process.
The additional time would enable better planning, reduce administrative pressure, and ensure elections are held in a more organized and credible manner.
If approved, the amendment would mark a major reform in Pakistan’s electoral process, giving the ECP more flexibility and authority to handle operational issues while maintaining the integrity of the democratic system.
Reporter: Usman Khan