Parliamentary body okays 13 amendments for EC

ISLAMABAD: The political parties in parliament have approved 13 significant amendments to bring about revolutionary changes in the Election Commission under the constitutional reforms in order to make the next general elections transparent.
According to the details accessible, the Election Commission will not be dissolved at one go and would neither be formed at one go. According to the proposed amendment, two of the four Election Commission members will retire after first two and a half years similar to the Senate members. Further, the chief justice will no more have the power to appoint the chief election commissioner; rather the senior-most EC member will be appointed acting chief election commissioner.
Further a retired or in-service officer or technocrat will also be eligible for appointment as the chief of the Election Commission or its member. Further, a candidate will have to present proof of his income tax deposit, otherwise he may be declared disqualified.
According to another amendment, local government elections will be held within 120 days after the completion of outgoing local governments. Also, the Election Commission has been authorised to take action against returning officers and other subordinate staff. As per another amendment, election on a National Assembly seat will be held in case it falls vacant at least 180 days before the completion of the assembly’s tenure. Presently, the period is 120 days.
According to another proposed amendment, the Election Commission will ensure preparation of electoral rolls for local government elections, besides determining the election and seats of local governments and cantonment areas.Sources have revealed that the committee thoroughly reviewed curtailing the five-year tenure of national and provincial assemblies to four years. However, it has not been agreed to so far.