ECP opposes identifiable ballot papers in Senate polls as SC hears presidential reference

CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja appeared before the apex court.

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) opposed identifiable ballot papers for the Senate elections as the Supreme Court Tuesday heard the presidential reference on open balloting.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja appeared before the apex court and maintained that the voters’ identity cannot be revealed as a constitutional amendment is required for identifiable ballot papers.

Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed, heading the five-member bench, said in his remarks that the apex court is not directing to change any law, and inquired that whether the ECP has ensured people to conduct transparent elections.

The CJP said, “All leaders are leveling allegations of corruption in the Senate elections. What is the ECP doing if it knows everything? The election commission says it will look into the matter after the polls but horse-trading is done before that. What steps has the ECP taken to stop this illicit activity?”

Justice Ijazul Ahsan remarked that the SC is not ordering to change the process of secret balloting, but the ECP should solve the matter itself if a complaint is lodged.

When Sikandar Sultan Raja apprised the court of the meeting that has been summoned to analyze the leaked video concerning horse-trading, Justice Ijazul Ahsan asked that whether the ECP has come to know about the video today, and whether it has disqualified any Senator.

Justice Umar Ata Bandial said, “Can the ECP take oath from the candidates to not buy votes? Has the ECP notified to complain over giving bribery? Were the candidates given opportunity to file complaints against each other?”

The top court remarked that the election commission cannot remain quiet; it is independent and should resubmit report after analyzing all aspects. The court adjourned the hearing till Wednesday while declaring the ECP’s report unsatisfactory.