Islamabad, Feb 1 (IANS): Pakistan's new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) would be appointed after all political parties arrive at a consensus on this, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said.

The ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) wanted to ensure free, fair and transparent general elections in the country, Associated Press of Pakistan quoted Gilani as ssaying.

"The Chief Election Commissioner will be appointed in consensus with all the political parties after the retirement of incumbent CEC, as we did in the case of the appointment of members of Election Commission," Gilani said while responding to queries from callers in a live "Prime Minister Online" television programme.

Justice Javed Iqbal is Pakistan's acting CEC.

Gilani last month said that the government may discuss with the opposition the issue of early general elections after the budget is presented in May.

The general elections are otherwise slated for 2013.