PTI presents eight-page proposal to probe rigging allegations

PTI demands PM should resign while independent judicial commission comprising three judges proceeds with its findings

An eight-page proposal has been presented by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to the government’s negotiating team in a bid to end the political impasse between the PML-N government and protesters in Islamabad. 

The proposal, exclusively obtained by The Express Tribune, proposes a two-step process to address rigging allegations in the 2013 elections.

“In Phase I of this process, the complaints must be investigated by a fully empowered and independent judicial commission.”

Phase II of the process entails actions to be taken “in the event” the judicial commission’s findings affirm rigging claims.

Further, the PTI demands that the judicial commission should comprise three judges of the Supreme Court led by the chief justice of Pakistan. “It should be vested with full investigative power and authority,” the document adds.

The primary function and task of the judicial commission would be to undertake an independent investigation into rigging allegations and it will have to submit it within 30 days, a legally binding and enforceable final report.

The PTI has also called for the formation of a joint investigation team (JIT) under the supervision of the judicial commission to operate as its “investigative arm.”

The JIT should comprise senior officers of government investigative agencies, such as Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and National Database Registration Authority (Nadra) among others.

“The composition of the JIT shall be balanced and it shall be headed by a senior officer of unblemished repute and integrity to whose appointment the PTI has ‘no objection’,” the document read.

Further, with the formation of the JIT, the PTI demanded the replacement of the current chiefs of Nadra and FIA as well as the secretary of the Election Commission of Pakistan.

“The JC must submit a final report of its ‘findings’ and conclusions no later than thirty days after its constitution and the said report shall be made a public document.”

The PTI also underlined the procedure for a test to determine if rigging occurred. The test includes the JC reporting the manner in which Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) members were appointed and any changes in locations or appointments at polling stations.

The PTI also demanded that along with a signed agreement between PTI and the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the prime minister and the cabinet must publicly announce a guarantee to heed by the conditions and demands mentioned in this proposal if rigging is proven.

Further, the PTI also demands that the prime minister should resign while the judicial commission proceeds with its findings.


“The resignation of the incumbent prime minister would establish bona fides of the prime minister and of the political party he heads. It would also allow Parliament to continue in the greater national interest and for consolidating the transition to parliamentary democracy.”

PTI also demanded that a supreme monitoring council be formed after the resignation of the prime minister to ensure an ‘independent’ and ‘objective’ investigation by the judicial commission.

Additionally, in case rigging is proven, as alleged by the PTI, the proposal demands that the prime minister advises the president to dissolve the National Assembly under Article 58(1) of the Constitution.

“The president shall appoint a care-taker cabinet and prime minister under the Constitution, the composition of which must reflect the intent and will to undertake and complete the necessary electoral reforms prior to the fresh elections.”

“General elections must be held under a reconstituted and non-controversial Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) appointed in consultation and with ‘no objection’ of PTI.”

A copy of the proposal obtained by our correspondent Peer Muhammad can be viewed here:

















 
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