Opposition to negotiate on electoral reforms once again

Govt to take up matter to joint session if deadlock persists

ISLAMABAD:

The government has started final consultations on electoral reforms while deadlock over the proposed legislation persists.

The opposition hinted that it would once again try to negotiate on the issue while, on the other hand, the government intends to take up the matter to a joint session of the parliament if no response is received from the opposition, sources said on Wednesday.

The opposition is reportedly carrying its long-held stance to form a large and powerful parliamentary committee on the issue, they added.

Sources further stated that the government is not satisfied with the talks made on the matter so far, maintaining that no seriousness has been shown by the opposition in setting up the parliamentary committee. The speaker of the national assembly is once again trying to bring together the opposition and government parliamentary leaders, they maintained.

Meanwhile, the government's decision on the National Accountability Bureau chairman has also widened the gap between the government and the opposition.

If the situation remains the same, the last option for the government will be to convene a joint session of the parliament.

The opposition parties are expected to hold consultations in the second week of October. The PDM summit will also review electoral reforms, the government's attitude and the NAB chairman's expansion.