Horse-trading: Altaf calls on SC to resolve methodology for Senate polls

Urges the SC take suo moto notice of the issue, suggests that a commission be formed to resolve the issue

As political parties expressed concerns over the possibility of horse-trading in the upcoming Senate elections, Muttahida Qaumi Movement  (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain has urged the Supreme Court to take notice of the situation and declare a proper method for the elections.

In a statement released early on Saturday, Altaf expressed his concerns over the upcoming Senate elections and urged the apex court to 'rescue' the situation.

“As the Supreme Court is the guardian of the Constitution, I hereby call upon the Honorable Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Nasirul Mulk and his learned companion Judges to (take) suo moto, invoking article 184(3) of the Constitution, issue directions under articles 187, 189 and 190 of the Constitution whereby a proper methodology for the Senate Elections is declared."

The MQM chief said that opinion was split on whether elections should be held through secret ballot, as stated in the Constitution, or through open ballot to avert horse-trading, adding that there were a number of other combinations which were complicating the matter.

He was, however, skeptical of a parliamentary solution to the issue.

"If the matter were taken to the Parliament and a constitutional amendment was brought about, this would hardly remedy the situation as it will further aggravate the situation certainly due to the game of numbers."

Altaf suggested that if the judges felt the need, they could appoint a commission under order 32 of the Supreme Court Rules. This commission could comprise of members from the armed forces, select Parliamentarians, lawyers, technocrats and others known in diversified fields, to offer a solution to the present crisis.

 

"At this juncture what is required is a sane and correct decision with regard to the methodology of Senate elections, so also with regard to local bodies’ elections, investigation into allegations of electoral rigging and  remedial action, if any, as also reforms of the elections commission codes."

He added that if the issue is resolved amicably, the nation can then focus on Operation Zarb-e-Azb and its consequential effects.