ECP seeks timely approval of electoral reforms bill

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has expressed concerns over delay in promulgation of the Election Laws 2017 in a letter written to National Assembly Speaker.

The letter urged the Speaker to direct the parliamentary committee on electoral reforms, “to finalise its recommendations and lay the bill before the parliament for making necessary legislation and enact the Election Act 2017”.

“The time is running out for the enactment of electoral reforms if political parties want the next general elections to be held under the proposed laws”, it added.

The ECP could not start and complete its work in time according to the new law, the letter warned on delay in promulgation of electoral reforms.

It should be recalled here that the head of parliamentary committee on electoral reforms, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar had presented draft Election Law 2017 on December 20 last year.

The finance minister while presenting the report had said that the committee had decided to seek feedback from all stakeholders, including parliamentarians, adding that a final draft would be completed within 30 days once all recommendations will be incorporated.