Electoral-rolls is a matter of public interest; says Chief Justice

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday submitted written replies to the Supreme Court, explicating the delay in the finalization process of the voter lists. However, the apex court rejected the explanations.

A three-member bench with Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry in the chair said the issue of preparation of voter lists is matter of public interest, adding that no institution will be permitted to violate the Constitution.

He gave these remarks while hearing the case filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan and Benazir Bhutto. During the hearing, the CJ asked the ECP what would happen if elections are announced today.

Earlier on February 29, the apex court has sought the explanation from National Database Regulatory Authority (NADRA) and Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for violating a court order on bogus electoral rolls.

Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said that it seemed as if the Election Commission was not willing to implement the court’s orders. Earlier, the court had ordered the commission to finalise voter lists for the upcoming elections by February 23.

In reply to the court, the ECP stated that the commission came to know about SC’s July 04, 2011 order on December 20, 2011. The members of ECP were elected on June 13, 2011.

Secretary ECP said that it was due to flooding and law and order situation in some areas that caused the delay in the preparation of the electoral rolls.

PPP’s Jahangir Badar appeared before the bench on behalf of Benazir Bhutto, saying the ECP be instructed to provide voters’ lists to political parties and publish them on website. In his view, the apex court has the authority to issue orders to the commission on electoral rolls.

Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry commented that the commission was no following the court’s rulings, saying the matter is of public interest. In his view, it is important to handle the issue on merit.

He was of the opinion that the ECP was apparently kept in the dark in this regard, directing the attorney general to inform the court whether there was a deliberate delay in the preparation of lists or not.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=14768

Posted by Faisal Farooq on Mar 6 2012. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.