ECP Notification: Gilani off playing field for five years

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan on Tuesday issued a prompt notice de-notifying Yousaf Raza Gilani after a three-member bench of the Supreme Court disqualified him as prime minister and member of the National Assembly.

Although the short order does not elaborate on exactly for how long Gilani cannot participate in the elections, according to Article 63 (1)(g) of the Constitution he cannot be a member of the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) “unless a period of five years has passed since his release.”

Sources in the ECP said the commission has discussed issuing a schedule for by-polls in NA-151, Multan, the constituency from where Gilani was elected as an MNA. However, a final decision is yet to be taken.

“Under the Constitution, the ECP is bound to hold the by-polls in a vacant constituency within 60 days. However, keeping in mind the proximity of Ramazan and Eid, the commission might require more time to reach a decision,” an official source told The Express Tribune.

Despite his disqualification, Gilani still reserves the right to file a petition asking to review the decision within 30 days.

Published In The Express Tribune, June 20^th, 2012.