Uncertainty over Pakistan’s post-election scenario is finally clearing up, with most members of the National Assembly being notified and a deal finally being struck between the Pakistan Peoples Party and the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz.
Two key events in coming days will involve the election of prime minister and president as the country’s government finally changes hands.
The first session of the new National Assembly must be convened within 21 days of the general election. This means that this year’s assembly must meet before February 29.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi has already signed a summary for summoning the parliament.
However, sources said that three different summaries have been prepared for the session. The final summary with the correct date will be forwarded to the president once the decision is taken.
The assembly is likely to meet on February 27 or 28.
The first session of the assembly will involve oaths being administered to the newly elected members on the first day. The election of the new speaker and deputy speaker will also take place on the first day.
Nomination papers for the new PM will be filed on the second day of the assembly session while the election will take place on the third day of the session.
The election of the president is a far more expansive process than the PM and involves a bigger electoral college.
One half of the current Senate is set to complet their tenure on March 11. The election for their replacements will take place close to that and a schedule is likely to be announced as soon as new assembly members take oath.
The president has to be elected by the members of all five assemblies and the Senate so it will take place after March 11.
