Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Fawad Chaudhry, on Saturday said that the opposition leader has suggested the names of bureaucrats instead of judges for the appointment of new chief election commissioner (CEC).

Fawad Chaudhry expressed hopes that the federal government and the opposition to make consensus over CEC position. He was commenting over the names suggested by the Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Shahbaz Sharif, for CEC position in his letter sent to Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday.

Fawad Chaudhry said that all three names recommended by Shahbaz Sharif are reliable and both sides will soon decide upon one names.

He said the federal authorities desired to remove all flaws from the electoral process which would ensure the organisation of transparent elections free from criticism. Chaudhry added that the government is committed to empowering the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Chaudhry said that his ministry is also willing to introduce modern technologies in the election commission.

Earlier in the day, Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Imran Khan suggested three names for appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).