PTI Senator Opposes Proposed Election Act Amendment

Introduction:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Barrister Ali Zafar has strongly opposed the proposed amendment to section 230 of the Election Act, 2017, which aims to expand the powers of the caretaker government. Zafar argues that the amendment is illegal and unconstitutional, and if not rejected by parliament, it may face scrutiny by the Supreme Court. The proposed amendment is part of 54 changes suggested in the Election Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

Background of the Proposed Amendment:

The federal government aims to empower the caretaker government to make major decisions concerning the economy. This includes the authority to sign bilateral agreements and agreements with international financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These proposed amendments have sparked tensions among major parliamentary parties, PPP and PML-N, with assurances given that elections will be held within the stipulated timeframe mentioned in the Constitution.

PTI Senator Ali Zafar’s Stand:

Senator Ali Zafar highlighted that the caretaker government’s role should be limited to performing day-to-day affairs, as its name implies. He reminded the house of the Supreme Court’s previous stance on this matter, which upheld the caretaker government’s limited powers.

Unity Among Ruling Coalition Members:

Both the PPP and PML-N members in the ruling coalition have reassured the nation that elections will be held on time and that the democratic process will not be derailed. The lawmakers emphasized that the government will uphold its international commitments.

Empowering the Caretaker Government for Economic Continuity: Proposed Amendments to the Elections Act 2017

Potential Impact on Elections:

The concerns about delaying elections or extending the caretaker setup’s period arose when there were discussions of nominating the incumbent Finance Minister Ishaq Dar as the caretaker premier. The proposed amendments have raised questions about the duration of the caretaker government and its scope of decision-making.

Conclusion:

The proposed amendment to the Election Act, 2017, has ignited a debate in parliament, with PTI Senator Ali Zafar expressing strong opposition and warning of potential unconstitutionality. The fate of the amendment will be closely watched, considering the Supreme Court’s previous ruling on the caretaker government’s powers. As lawmakers seek to reassure the public about timely elections and adherence to international obligations, the nation awaits further developments in this matter.