Islamabad: In a significant move towards electoral clarity, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs has recommended the approval of “The Election (Second Amendment) Bill 2024”. This bill aims to prevent independent candidates from joining political parties after the specified period in the Constitution and Law.
COMMITTEE UNANIMITY
Chaired by Mr. Rana Iradat Sharif Khan, the committee deliberated on the proposed amendment, which seeks to insert Section 104A into the Election Act 2017. The Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Azam Nazeer Tarar, briefed the committee on the bill’s objectives, emphasizing the need for clarity in the law.
KEY PROVISIONS
The bill stipulates that:
– Independent candidates cannot join political parties after the specified period.
– Consent given by an independent candidate to join a political party is irrevocable.
COMMITTEE ENDORSEMENT
After thorough discussion, the committee, in a majority decision, recommended the bill’s passage in the National Assembly. The meeting was attended by esteemed members of the National Assembly, the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, and senior officials from relevant ministries and the Election Commission.
A STEP TOWARDS ELECTORAL TRANSPARENCY
This landmark bill aims to bring clarity and stability to Pakistan’s electoral process, ensuring a level playing field for all candidates. Its approval marks a significant step towards strengthening the country’s democratic framework.
