The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has submitted an application to the Election Commission concerning its reserved seats, highlighting that a party’s failure to submit a list disqualifies it from claiming specific seats.
The Supreme Court’s decision from July 12 no longer holds following the amendment to the Election Act. This amendment prevents individuals who issue party affiliation certificates from switching parties. Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of the National Assembly, has urged the Election Commission to comply with the laws and allocate the reserved seats accordingly.
Speaker Sadiq has called for the Election Commission to allocate 22 reserved seats to the government and its allies to ensure a two-thirds majority. He has stressed the need to implement the amended Election Act, effective since 2017, and highlighted the Election Commission’s constitutional and legal responsibilities to uphold democracy and maintain parliamentary autonomy.
The amended Election Act prevents independent members who join a political party from switching affiliations, aiming to ensure party loyalty and stabilize parliamentary dynamics. Speaker Sadiq has emphasized that the Election Commission must allocate specific seats as the law requires.
Speaker Sadiq has reaffirmed the Election Commission’s obligation to enforce the amended Election Act. He has clarified that the Supreme Court’s decisions post-amendment cannot be implemented, underscoring the need for the Election Commission to allocate reserved seats as mandated.
The Speaker has invoked both the Supreme Court and the amended Election Act to bolster his claims, underscoring the ongoing impasse between political parties and the Election Commission regarding the allocation of reserved seats and the enforcement of the Election Act amendments.
The application from PML-N and Speaker Sadiq’s demands reflect the party’s push to secure a stronger majority in the National Assembly. By adhering to the amended Election Act, the Election Commission is pivotal in preserving democratic principles and ensuring equitable representation within the parliament.
