Gillani signs election, NAB ordinances

Acting President Yousuf Raza Gillani on Monday gave his seal of approval to two ordinances regarding amendments to the Election Act, 2017 and the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999. Gillani signed the ordinances as per the recommendation of the Ministry of Law.

Through the new Election Commission Ordinance, amendments have been made to the Election Act 2023, enabling amendments to the law regarding the establishment of the Election Tribunal.

According to the ordinance, retired judges, along with serving judges of high courts, can also be appointed to the Election Tribunal, concerning electoral disputes.

On the other hand, under the NAB Ordinance, the remand of a suspect under custody has been extended from 14 days to 40 days. 

The punishment for a NAB officer for filing a reference with mala fide intent has been reduced from less than 5 years to 2 years.