POLITICS & POLICY MAKING
The Standing Committee of the National Assembly on Parliamentary Affairs has approved the Election Act Amendment Bill. The bill was presented during a committee meeting where it garnered 8 votes in favor and 4 against, with committee member Shahida Akhtar abstaining from the vote.
Prime Minister Nazir Tarar remarked that the issue regarding independent members joining political parties and specific seats has been clearly addressed in the bill. However, PTI's Ali Mohammad Khan voiced opposition, stating that as a private bill, it should be interpreted by the one who presented it rather than the law minister.
The Election Act 2017 Amendment Bill, which was presented in the National Assembly yesterday, has now been forwarded to the relevant Standing Committee by the Speaker for further review. Key provisions of the bill include the stipulation that declarations of affiliation to a political party cannot be changed.
This legislative move is significant in defining the rules for political party affiliations and specific seats, aiming to bring clarity and order to the electoral process in Pakistan.