Poll rigging: Opposition submits eight-point draft of ToRs
Topping the list is ‘were the elections act rules implemented?’
National Assembly PHOTO: APP
ISLAMABAD:
The opposition parties have submitted their eight-point draft regarding the Terms of Reference (ToRs) for investigation into the rigging allegations in the general elections held on July 25, 2018.
The ToRs were handed over to the treasury members during the second meeting of the electoral parliamentary committee’s sub-committee held at the Parliament House on Thursday.
However, the government has taken time to prepare its ToRs.
According to sources, the opposition’s ToRs are in the form of a questionnaire whose answers the parliamentary investigation committee has to find out.
The first question in the ToRs is that whether the rules of the Election Acts 2017 were implemented in true spirit.
The second question is whether other state institutions allowed the election commission to work independently according to the Constitution.
Parliamentary body on alleged rigging to meet on Nov 6
The other questions are; did all the political parties, candidates and workers get equal opportunities in the general elections?
Why was there a need felt to issue a code of conduct for the general elections and how many results were announced after midnight and what were the reasons?
Why attested copies of results on Form-45 were not given to polling agents of the political parties?
Why RTS, RMS system failed? Why it was not tested earlier?
The ToRs also state that any issue regarding transparency of the elections and their independent execution could be raised.
The opposition would be authorised to summon the officials of the election commission and NADRA, election staff, candidates and all institutions that performed duties during the election, stated the ToRs.
Khattak to head parliamentary panel on rigging
After the meeting, Convener Shafqat Mehmood told media, “The government will look at the ToRs presented by the opposition and add whatever is possible.”
On November 28 during the meeting of the sub-committee, a government representative will present the ToRs.
“We still think that the elections were conducted in a transparent manner which is why our party did not raise any objection over the formation of an investigation committee but until recommendation on Article 225 does not come in progress cannot be made,” said Mehmood.
Talking to the media, PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah said, “We do not need to provide a written stance on Article 225. Our stance is clear, this article is not a hurdle in the way of investigations.”
PPP’s Naveed Qamar said, “The government’s attitude in this regard will be known when investigation work takes a practical shape. The government is right now stuck over the issue that parliament does not have the investigation right.”
The opposition parties have submitted their eight-point draft regarding the Terms of Reference (ToRs) for investigation into the rigging allegations in the general elections held on July 25, 2018.
The ToRs were handed over to the treasury members during the second meeting of the electoral parliamentary committee’s sub-committee held at the Parliament House on Thursday.
However, the government has taken time to prepare its ToRs.
According to sources, the opposition’s ToRs are in the form of a questionnaire whose answers the parliamentary investigation committee has to find out.
The first question in the ToRs is that whether the rules of the Election Acts 2017 were implemented in true spirit.
The second question is whether other state institutions allowed the election commission to work independently according to the Constitution.
Parliamentary body on alleged rigging to meet on Nov 6
The other questions are; did all the political parties, candidates and workers get equal opportunities in the general elections?
Why was there a need felt to issue a code of conduct for the general elections and how many results were announced after midnight and what were the reasons?
Why attested copies of results on Form-45 were not given to polling agents of the political parties?
Why RTS, RMS system failed? Why it was not tested earlier?
The ToRs also state that any issue regarding transparency of the elections and their independent execution could be raised.
The opposition would be authorised to summon the officials of the election commission and NADRA, election staff, candidates and all institutions that performed duties during the election, stated the ToRs.
Khattak to head parliamentary panel on rigging
After the meeting, Convener Shafqat Mehmood told media, “The government will look at the ToRs presented by the opposition and add whatever is possible.”
On November 28 during the meeting of the sub-committee, a government representative will present the ToRs.
“We still think that the elections were conducted in a transparent manner which is why our party did not raise any objection over the formation of an investigation committee but until recommendation on Article 225 does not come in progress cannot be made,” said Mehmood.
Talking to the media, PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah said, “We do not need to provide a written stance on Article 225. Our stance is clear, this article is not a hurdle in the way of investigations.”
PPP’s Naveed Qamar said, “The government’s attitude in this regard will be known when investigation work takes a practical shape. The government is right now stuck over the issue that parliament does not have the investigation right.”