The National Assembly and Senate passed the Election Act amendment bill despite the massive opposition with a majority vote.
Main Amendments in the Election Act 2017
Amendments to sections 66 and 104 of the Election Act 2017 include:
Independent Candidates have three days to join a political party. If they fail to produce a party certificate before the election symbol is allotted, we will treat them as independents.
Reserved Seats—Political parties are required to submit their lists of priority for reserved seats within a given time. Failure to do so will result in that party’s loss of entitlement to those seats.
When a competitor declares their connection with any ideological group during the endorsed period, it will be conclusive and cannot be changed or dropped later.
The speaker of the national assembly approved the bill and rejected all amendments moved by the opposition. This caused chaos in the house, where members gathered around the speaker’s dais and tore up copies of the bills while expressing their resentment.
They announced that they would file a petition against this act in the Supreme Court. Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar said law-making is a prerogative of Parliament, not a few persons.
Opposition’s Reaction & Protests
The chairman of the parliamentary affairs committee presented a report on the amendment bill for the Election Act 2017. As PML-N’s Bilal Azhar Kayani introduced the bill, opposition members protested, tore up bill copies, and raised slogans. Sahibzada Sibghatullah of the Sunni Ittehad Council and Ali Muhammad Khan proposed amendments, but the legislature rejected them and passed the bill despite opposition protests.
Ali Muhammad Khan expressed his views on the bill. He emphasized that legislation should benefit the country and challenged the law in court. He criticized the government for presenting the bill for political purposes, labeling it a tool of political fascism.
Government’s Stand on the Amendment
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar defended the bill, stating that the legislation is clear and within the constitutional framework. He highlighted inconsistencies in opposition members’ stances and emphasized that only the Parliament has the authority to legislate.
Bilal Azhar Kayani clarified that the three clauses added to the bill merely provide clarity within the constitutional and legal framework. The standing committee discussed the bill for two hours, and Ali Muhammad Khan and others did not present any substantial counterarguments.
Additional Points and Reactions
Barrister Gohar stated that the Supreme Court can interpret laws even though the Parliament is supreme. He said the bill would be challenged in court and warned against marginalizing political parties. Predicted dire consequences if political inclusivity is not maintained.
Farooq Sattar of MQM expressed his desire to speak on the bill but was denied by the Speaker, leading to his temporary departure from the assembly in protest. He criticized the lack of consultation on the Election Act bill, deeming the legislation a political defeat for both the government and the opposition.
Zartaj Gul from the opposition commented on the aging leadership within the government, criticizing their ability to guide the younger generation in legislation.
Resolution on Kashmir
The National Assembly likewise passed a goal against India’s established revision on Kashmir, regardless of Mehmood Achakzai’s resistance. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif emphasized the nation’s stance on Kashmir and maintaining a democratic system.
Senate’s Approval and Subsequent Actions
The Senate also approved the Election (Second Amendment) Bill 2024. Responding to opposition leader Shibli Faraz’s points, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Azam Nazir Tarar defended the bill. Eeiterating that only elected bodies can legislate. After the bill’s approval, the session was adjourned due to a lack of quorum.
