ECP should take steps ensuring transparency in Senate elections: Shibli

PESHAWAR: Information Minister Shibli Faraz has said the Supreme Court’s judgement in the presidential reference is “historic” under which the Senate elections will be held as per the constitution.

Speaking to the media, the minister said the apex court has directed the Election Commission of Pakistan to use the latest technology and take the necessary steps to ensure transparency in the polls. He said the court has also ruled that the secrecy of the ballot is not absolute.

The information minister asked the Election Commission of Pakistan to take requisite steps for ensuring transparency in the Senate elections in the light of the Supreme Court’s decision.

He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan wanted transparency and fairness in the electoral system whereas the opposition parties which had been the beneficiary of horse-trading, rigging, and other malpractices were opposing the move.

Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry also reacted to Supreme Court’s opinion on presidential reference seeking Senate elections through open ballot.

He said that the Supreme Court has endorsed the narrative to end corrupt practices and horsetrading and that the court has not accepted complete secrecy of the ballot in the Senate polls. He added that the ECP has been asked to ensure transparent elections.

The Supreme Court gave its opinion on the presidential reference on open Senate vote has said that Senate elections will be held through secret ballot under Article 226 of the Constitution.