Senate fails to pass delimitation bill yet again over lack of quorum

For the third sitting in a row on Wednesday, the Senate was unable to vote on the constitutional amendment bill allowing election authorities to carry out delimitation of National Assembly constituencies on the basis of the provisional results of census.

At least 69 votes are needed to pass the bill but voting had to be deferred yet again over lack of quorum.

The passing of the bill — a formality since the Council of Common Interest (CCI) gave it a go-ahead on November 13 and it was agreed upon by all political parties — is being delayed since last week due to the lack of quorum in the sessions.

On November 17, the bill was deferred to November 20. But on November 20 too, only 14 members were present in the House at the start of the session and only 13 when it was adjourned.

The maximum number of members during Monday’s three and a half sessions was 59 and at least 69 members of the 104 are needed to pass an amendment to the constitution.

Members from the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Fata and Muttahida Qaumi Movement were absent from both the Friday and Monday sessions.