“A bloody feud is forthcoming if any political party casts even an iota of doubt over the sanctity of the next elections,” warned Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry after taking an exception to the delay in the finalisation of a fresh voters’ list.
Heading a three-judge bench, Justice Chaudhry ordered the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to wrap up the process of finalising the electoral rolls and gave a final deadline of February 23, 2012.
The apex court handed down these directions while hearing a petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan, who asked the court to remove fake votes from the electoral rolls. Earlier, the ECP had admitted in a statement that some 37 million votes were bogus and could not be verified.
The bench also issued notices to Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto and Secretary General Jehangir Badar in a petition filed by former premier Benzir Bhutto, asking the court to remove irregularities from the voters’ list.
Former prime minister Benazir had prayed for directions to the ECP for the inclusion of millions of voters in the electoral rolls, who were left out when it was revised on the basis of the computerised national identity cards (NICs).
Pleas going unheard
Appearing before the court, ECP Secretary Ishtiaq Ahmed said it would be impossible for the commission to complete the ‘laborious task’ of purging the list of 37 million votes. He asked the court to allow the commission to finalise the electoral rolls before May.
The official said that the spread of the deadly dengue virus in Punjab, floods in Sindh and the law and order situation in Balochistan had slowed down the process of finalising the electoral rolls. He said that the Sindh Assembly had also adopted a resolution for extending the time for completion of the voters’ list.
Echoing the ECP official’s views, Nadra Chairman Arshad Ali Hakeem stated that printing of 8.4 million electoral rolls needed more time. However, the bench cast aside the justifications and demanded that the process be completed before the third week of February.
The court directed all the executive authorities of the federal government to assist the ECP in finalising the list.
“Under article 220 of the Constitution, it is the duty of all the government authorities to help the election commission,” the bench stated.
The court also issued notices to 28 members of parliament as well as the provincial assemblies for contesting by-polls under an election commission, which did not have a composition as determined under the 18th amendment.
On the last day of proceedings, the court had asked the ECP for information regarding the legal status of these by-polls. The 18th amendment requires four judges – one each from every province – to be appointed as commission members for streamlining its functions.
Meanwhile, the court also directed the federal government to come up with a detailed response in 15 days on a separate petition by Imran Khan for granting voting rights to overseas Pakistanis.
The case will resume on January 10.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 22nd, 2011.
COMMENTS (20)
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Nothing judicious about military judiciary nexus.
Chief Justice is the only hope to save Pak integrity and in the true meaning implementing the Constitution of Pak, restoring the true nature of services and limits of each Deptt./ Institute. No compromise on justice based on supremacy and power of single man/ institute/agency but the true and justified rule of law can restore Pak real state. Further each and every Deptt. Minister/ministry, President, PM, Governors, MPA’s, MN’As, Army, Senate, Security Agencies, Law Enforcement bodies, Common Civil Services should/must be accountable and answerable to the Law of state based on equal treatment and justice. When it will happen and everybody understand and accept the power of justice, law and constitution then the integrity and respect of the country will be restore itself both on national and international level. I hope for better.
Hmmm…sounds like the establishment is aiming for a March 2012 election.
@zamasoch: How you know that? Did you ask from those people who have given majority to the current elected people and the coalition government of PPP?
@Imran: dear brother we should respect our SC and our law.
@Maryam: people want early election.
Good move!
Voter verification is virtually impossible in this populous land of 180 million. The NADRA lists should be based on the current address on the CNIC . Anyone who doesn't live on his/her current address is responsible for registering their own vote. Simple as that.
Hon. CJ: Why are you giving deadlines? Do you follow any deadlines in your institution? There are cases sitting in your courts for decades without any resolution.
This is the opportunity for the people of Pakistan to act and make Pakistan a peace loving, peaceful and PROPEROUS country. Please have a close scrutiny of the candidates character. Let only proven honest people to be elected. Pakistan is a country of well built intelligent people. It has become an impoverished country dependent on foreign aid. Do not elect those who have a message of HATE against humanity Do not let corrupt people get elected. Think only of a Properous Pakistan. You deserve it. You can do it. This is your chance.
to the people defending PTI..
This petition was filed by PTI
PTI and imran khan goes to SC to ask the EC to remove fake voters
SC has no hurry...its Imran khan who seems to be in hurry now :)
PS: kindly read the complete article. and then comment
well done sir
Please CJ; refrain from remarks.... judge speaks with his judgemnents.. remarks are mere filmi or political dialogues.... so no to remarks yes to judgements....
The importance of this is that all bi-elections being done are on fake voter lists. Its not necessary just for the final elections in 2013 but also for any elections before that
If the Electrrol list is transpired for next election then their would be a revolution in the history of politics of pakistan.
If Imran Khan was backed by the establishment, He would never have gone to the SC for voter list verification. He has sent another petition in the SC to give voting rights to overseas Pakistanis. PTI knows that the true power comes from the ballot box and people of Pakistan will bring into real power.
so that assemblies can be dissolved on 24th feb and new elections held without senate elections.....??? seems aligned to one party....
Chief Justic Sahib!! The election are not due in March next year but it should be somewhere in March of 2013, So Please be patient.