Issuing a statement the TISL said, “It is also regrettable that for more than 18 months the Independent Elections Commission has not been appointed by the President, despite the fact that the previous Constitutional Council unanimously submitted its nominees to the President. Consequently, the 17th Amendment provisions in relation to the Independent Elections Commission could not have been fully implemented and the present Elections Commissioner has been made to function against his wishes as the Commissioner has now passed the compulsory age of retirement.”
“The failure to appoint the Constitutional Council and the Independent Elections Commission has serious repercussions adversely affecting the Rule of Law. The primary responsibility of making appointments lies with the President, though other political parties are also required to cooperate in the process. It is also necessary to understand that the immunity guaranteed to the President under the Constitution has prevented any legal challenge to the President's inaction to appoint Commissions.”
“Appointments of members to the Constitutional Council and the Independent Election Commission are vital in many socio political and legal contexts, and thus the non appointment could be seen as a deliberate attempt by those responsible to nullify the effect of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution,” it added.
