Opposition Leader Shibli Faraz called the Election Act Amendment Bill an attack on the Supreme Court during a fiery Senate session. He began by stating that in a democracy, voting represents people’s will. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was claimed to have abandoned its duty of ensuring this principle is followed and turned into a “Selection Commission,” as per him.
Faraz contended that not holding elections for two assemblies within 90 days mandated by the constitution amounted to a grave violation by ECP. He had serious doubts about the transparent conduct of elections and fulfillment of constitutional obligations on the part of the ECP. Faraz specifically criticized ECP for selecting returning officers (ROs) from bureaucracy instead of the judiciary, which he thought undermined the integrity of the electoral process.
Election Symbol Controversy Shibli FarazÂ
Shibli Faraz highlighted specific grievances regarding the allocation of election symbols. He accused the ECP of unjustly stripping his party of its recognized symbol and assigning absurd and derogatory symbols, such as a shoe or tongs, to PTI candidates. Faraz described these actions as a deliberate attempt to undermine his party, suggesting that they chose these symbols to mock and belittle PTI candidates
Faraz also alleged that the ECP used various forms of gerrymandering to manipulate election outcomes. He cited election-day internet and mobile service shutdowns as tactics to hinder fair voting processes and ensure a biased result in favor of the ruling party.
Manipulation of Election Tribunal Appointments Shibli FarazÂ
Faraz criticized the authorities’ post-election measures, particularly their manipulation of the election tribunal system. He claimed that when PTI-supported candidates won by a substantial majority, they introduced Form 47 to challenge and disrupt these victories. Faraz argued that the natural constitutional course after the elections was to seek redress through the Election Tribunals. However, he condemned the subsequent legislation that allowed for the appointment of retired judges to these tribunals, viewing it as a deliberate attempt to control and influence tribunal decisions.
Accusations of Parliamentary Misuse Shibli FarazÂ
The opposition leader accused the ruling party of repeatedly misusing the Parliament to serve its interests. He suggested that the legislative changes regarding the Election Tribunals were another example of how the Parliament was exploited to obstruct justice and prevent PTI from seeking fair recourse. Faraz expressed deep frustration at the continued efforts to block the people’s will, asserting that those decisively defeated in the elections were now using Form 47 to occupy seats in Parliament illegitimately.
Defense of Public Mandate and Critique of Ethics Shibli FarazÂ
Faraz passionately defended the public mandate, arguing that every possible effort was being made to subvert the people’s decision. He pointed out that individuals who had suffered significant electoral defeats were now using parliamentary processes to stay in power and defend the controversial bills. He labeled this behavior a direct assault on democratic principles.
Attack on the Supreme Court Shibli FarazÂ
In a bold statement, Faraz declared that the Election Act Amendment Bill was inherently malicious and directly attacked the Supreme Court. He referenced a decision by eight Supreme Court judges, who affirmed that PTI was a legitimate political party and would remain so. Faraz condemned the actions of powerful individuals, now seeking to undermine this decision and gain power illegally.
Call for Ethical Standards
Shibli Faraz concluded his remarks by calling for higher ethical standards and principles in the legislative process. He criticized the behavior of those in the House who were now demanding power and defending unjust bills despite not earning their positions. Faraz urged his fellow parliamentarians to recognize the malicious intent behind the bill and to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.
