The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has expressed reservations over some clauses in the electoral reforms bill passed by the National Assembly.
In a statement issued by ECP, it said that its stance on the bill wasn’t debated by the standing committee. The amendment to hold Senate elections through an open ballot goes against the Supreme Court’s ruling, the statement added.
“Preparing electoral lists is the constitutional duty of the election commission,” it said.
“The powers of the commission cannot be diminished or abolished.”
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The ECP also mentioned delimitation of constituencies on the basis of voters, instead of population, was in contrast with the constitution too.
“According to the constitution, seats in the National Assembly are allocated on the basis of population,” the statement read.
An audit conducted by the third party regarding electronic voting has also pointed out mistakes in it. The company is of the view that this system should not be used.
The ECP said it witnessed demonstration of e-voting machines of two international firms. It will examine the Science and Technology Ministry machines at the end of July, it added.
