Supreme Court hearing on the presidential reference to hold senate elctions by open ballot

February 15, 2021: The Supreme Court on Monday, commented on how the number of senators who have been disqualified over the past 40 years for having gained their positions via cash transactions.

According to the report of Baghi TV, the Supreme Court heard the presidential reference to hold the Senate elections by open ballot. During the hearing, Justice Umar Ata Bandial said that the provincial assemblies bind the federal body by legislation. The parliament did not amend the Senate election to be held by open ballot. The Election Commission has been given powers as per court orders.

Justice Ejaz-ul-Ahsan said that it is the responsibility of the Election Commission to ensure transparent elections. If the Constitution says to ensure transparency, then the Election Commission is empowered in all respects.

Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan remarked that the Election Commission can do anything to eradicate corruption through the electoral process. The Chief Justice remarked that there is a general impression that there is corruption in the Senate elections. Supreme Court summoned ECP for coming up with an anti-corruption polling methodology.

Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan inquired that secret ballot is applicable till the time of voting. Lawyer of Election Commission said that the vote cast is protected under Article 226. Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan said that the Election Commission can also investigate on its own. Justice Umar Ata Bandial said that now that videos of electoral corruption are also coming to light, the Election Commission has to be told how to ensure transparency.

The Chief Justice said that it is not enough to just give a schedule. The Election Commission will have to come up with a polling scheme. Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan commented on how many senators were disqualified from buying and selling votes in 40 years. Election Commission lawyers could not answer court questions.

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