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The National Assembly approved a bill on Tuesday that restricts independent lawmakers from joining political parties after a certain period, amid strong protests from the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
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The “Elections (Second Amendment) Act, 2024” modifies the Elections Act 2017. Political analysts view this legislation as a potential challenge to the Supreme Court’s July 12 ruling, which had declared the PTI eligible for reserved seats and positioned it to re-emerge as the largest party in the National Assembly.
PML-N lawmaker Bilal Azhar Kayani introduced the bill last week. It swiftly passed through the lower house’s Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs with an 8-4 vote.
The bill states that candidates who do not file a declaration of party affiliation with the returning officer before seeking a prescribed symbol will be considered independent candidates.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the bill in committee, claiming it would clarify existing regulations. PTI’s Ali Muhammad expressed surprise at the minister’s support for a private member bill.
The legislation now requires Senate approval to become law.
Another proposed amendment suggests that political parties failing to submit their list for reserved seats within the prescribed time should not be allocated seats reserved for women and non-Muslim candidates.
Notably, the amendments include a clause stating they would take precedence over court orders.
PTI representatives strongly opposed the bill during the National Assembly session. Ali Muhammad Khan argued it would deprive him of his rights, while Gohar Ali Khan expressed concern over its implications for the party.
Ali Muhammad questioned the use of Parliament by a political party to challenge Supreme Court decisions for political gain. He stated that the PTI would contest this legislation in the Supreme Court.
PML-N’s Kiyani defended the bill to the media, expressing hope for its passage in the Senate. He claimed the legislation strengthens existing laws and does not conflict with the Constitution.
The bill comes in the wake of a July 12 Supreme Court ruling that declared the PTI eligible for seats reserved for women and minorities, a decision that challenged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s ruling coalition. The court’s verdict overturned previous decisions by the Peshawar High Court and the Election Commission of Pakistan, deeming them unconstitutional.
