ISLAMABAD: The federal government has started consultations with the opposition to appoint four members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), one each from the four provinces.

After the ECP was rendered incomplete following the retirement of its four members on June 12, the electoral process has been halted across the country, including election of mayors or deputy mayors, by-polls in various constituencies and notification of newly-elected parliamentarians.

According to the Constitution, the ECP members are appointed by the government in consultation with the opposition. As per Articles 13-A and -B, the prime minister and leader of the opposition in the National Assembly are bound to send three names from each province to a 12-member parliamentary committee which will pick one name for appointment as ECP member from the respective province. -APP