Karachi, February 22, 2022 (PPI-OT):Mian Raza Rabbani, Former Chairman Senate, has issued the following press statement:
The Ordinance amending the Election Act, allowing public office holders including Minister to take part in the campaign amounts to pre poll rigging and is rejected. Any amendment in the election law or rules requires that all the stakeholders i.e. the political parties and the ECP be consulted and a consensus developed. The Government is not the only player in this game that it can change the law or rules to have advantage over the other parties.
The new section 181 (A) inserted in the Election Act, allows a member of Parliament, provincial assembly, local government, including a member holding any other office under the Constitution or the law, can visit or address public meetings in any area or constituency. This amendment will allow government functionaries to visit and influence the campaign of government candidates to the disadvantage of the others.
The code of conduct is framed by the ECP under section 233 of the Election Act, the temporary legislation, an Ordinance promulgated in the darkness of the night, infringes on the powers of the ECP. The Constitution through Article 222, places a bar on Parliamentary from passing a law that has the effect of taking away or abridging the powers of the ECP.
Through an Executive action, promulgation of an Ordinance, fetters are being placed on the ECP. The government should withdraw both the Ordinances, namely, amendments to Peca and the Election Act, otherwise the Opposition should bring Disapproval Resolutions in Parliament under Article 89, Constitution, 1973.
For more information, contact:
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Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)
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