Maulana Fazl says only electoral reform can improve ECP working

JUI-F chief says PTI demand for resignation of poll body members will not bring change

ISLAMABAD: Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam-Fazal (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Monday said that mere resignations would not bring any change in the performance of the election commission. What is needed though is a revamping of the country’s electoral laws and for that parliament is the only forum, the JUI-F leader said.

He was commenting on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s demand that Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) members should step down following their failure to hold free and fair elections in 2013.



“Imran Khan is bereft of political acumen, due to which he is demanding resignation of ECP’s provincial members as a solution to the problem,” Fazl said in a statement.

In order to substantiate his argument, he recalled the resignation of former chief election commissioner Justice (Retd) Fakharuddin G Ebrahim.

“The resignation of Fakharuddin G Ebrahim could not stop the worst form of rigging in local government elections of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he said.

Talking about the removal of provincial election commissioners, Fazl said that taking up the matter with the Supreme Judicial Council was the procedure to be followed.

About members of the commission, the JUI-F chief said that according to the existing laws only retired judges can serve in the commission and a constitutional amendment is required for allowing people with administrative experience.

Compensate Dharna losses

While PTI is all set to hold another sit-in, this time in front of the ECP head office, Fazl said that Imran’s party should compensate the losses it caused in its first protest campaign before going for a second dharna.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 1st, 2015.