ECP may audit assets of LB representatives

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) may start scrutiny of asset details of elected representatives of local bodies as it is giving final touches to the standard operating procedure and timeline for a random audit of members of parliament and four provincial assemblies through its political finance wing.

“Yes, why not. If the law provides for scrutiny of lawmakers at the federal and provincial level, why not of local government representatives,” confirmed a senior ECP official while talking to The News here on Tuesday.

He explained that a proposal would be presented before the ECP for this purpose shortly and if given go-ahead, the exercise would be initiated at the grassroot level, involving the respective provincial election commissioners and their local chapters.

It may be pointed out here that there are well over 22,000 reserved seats including those of women, youth, Kissan and minorities in Punjab only. And, how will it be possible for ECP authorities to put in place a viable mechanism for the huge exercise if the election commission approves the proposal.

There is also a question mark on availability of experts in massive numbers to carry out the audit of assets and liabilities of local government representatives. “Since the proposed exercise is new and no finances have been earmarked for it, it is quite likely the commission may approach the government for additional funds,” the ECP official said. 

Recently, the commission decided to reactivate its dormant political finance wing which had been created for the scrutiny of asset details of legislators. However, owing to some reasons, the wing failed to perform and its head bowed out quietly.

The commission has named its director, Media Wing, to head the wing for three months so that, after adopting a proper procedure, an expert is appointed to spearhead the highly-technical and intricate job. He or she may face political pressure at some stage. 

Like legislators of parliament and provincial assemblies, if found guilty of hiding their assets or even making false declarations, local government representatives will also be proceeded against under the relevant laws. 

Meanwhile, the commission is expecting suitable representation of political parties at a consultative session at the Election Commission Secretariat today (Wednesday) on the proposed code of conduct, a copy of which has already been circulated among 16 leading political parties.

“We look forward to useful and practicable suggestions from our guests so that the future electoral process could be made more transparent, ensuring level-playing fields for all contesting candidates,” the ECP sources maintained.