Empowerment of ECP to Hire Ex-Judges: Law Minister, AGP Discuss with CEC
Islamabad, June 1, 2024: In the wake of an ordinance granting the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) the authority to appoint retired judges as election tribunals, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Attorney General Mansoor Awan met with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja on Friday.
Ordinance’s Implications
The ordinance, amending the Elections Act, 2017, empowers the ECP to appoint retired high court judges without consulting provincial chief justices. Previously, only sitting judges could be appointed to election tribunals.
Discussion Highlights
During the meeting, Tarar and Awan discussed the implications of the ordinance and other pending issues with the ECP. These included:
* Allocation of budget for the ECP
* Appointment of election tribunals
* Implementation of the ordinance
Challenge to LHC Order
According to an ECP official, the ordinance will be challenged in the Supreme Court in light of the Lahore High Court (LHC) order directing the ECP to appoint six election tribunals for Punjab. The LHC had ruled that the ECP was legally obligated to appoint all nominees proposed by the chief justice.
Non-Compliance with Election Finance Reporting
Separately, the ECP has summoned 40 political parties on June 5th for failing to submit details of their election campaign finances as required by Section 211 of the Elections Act, 2017. Among those summoned are Pakistan Muslim League-Q, Awami National Party, and Balochistan National Party.
Intra-Party Election Hearing
The ECP has scheduled a hearing for June 6th to address the issue of non-conduct of intra-party elections within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Notices have been issued to party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and federal chief election commissioner Raoof Hasan.
PTI Rally Conditions
PTI has been granted permission to hold a public rally in Islamabad on June 8th, subject to 39 conditions, including restrictions on procession paths and the use of loudspeakers. The party had applied for the rally on May 20th.