ISLAMABAD: Distribution of reserved seat – three women and two minorities – will be notified after the by-election for 20 vacant seats in the Punjab Assembly are occupied by the Electoral Commission of Pakistan (ECP) rules on Thursday.
Seats – for what will be the by-elections place – became vacant after the ECP canceled the notification of 25 dissident MPA PTI – 20 general candidates, three women and two members of the minority – who voted for Hamza Shahbaz of PML-N against their party line during the Chief Punjab minister’s election last month.
ECP of five bench reserved verdict earlier today on directions of Lahore High Court (LHC), where PTI moved last a week for notification new MPA on reserved seats in Assembly.
Reserved seats are distributed among the parties on the foundation of in total amount of general seats assigned to each political party in provincial assembly.
In an effort to secure reserved seats, PTI has asked ECP to issue notification based on on in current numbers in Punjab Assembly, but elections body decided that it would notify the distribution of reserved seats after by-elections place on June 17 – and new party position is formed.
By-elections will be held place on PP-7, PP-83, PP-90, PP-97, PP-125, PP-127, PP-140, PP-158, PP-167, PP-168, PP-170, PP-202, PP- 217, PP-224, PP-228, PP-237, PP-272, PP-273, PP-282 Layakh and PP-288.
During today’s PTI’s hearing counsel Faisal Chaudhry argued that if an MP is disqualified under Article 63(A) of The constitution must notify the other person on platzkart from there party.
He argued that the ESP should issue notification “immediately” in in this regard, in accordance with Article 224 (6), adding that PML-N in Punjab does not have a majority and therefore does not deserve rule.
“In its pleaPML-N misinterpreted the Constitution,” a PTI lawyer said, adding that nominations made on reserved seats in accordance with article 106.
Faisal Chaudhry argued that there could be no change. made in number of reserved seats under section 104 of Election law 2017.
For his part, PML-N lawyer Khalid Ishaq argued that the Electoral Commission should notify new MOP after current proportion in Punjab Assembly.
“Article 226 can be read in compound with Article 106,” he said, citing the fact that none of the paragraphs can be read separately.
The lawyer for PML-N emphasized that the Electoral College did not complete for reserved seats, therefore Article 226 does not apply.
“The Electoral Commission will have to consider the principle of proportional representation in the appointment of an MPA,” he said.
Presenting his arguments, the Attorney General of Pakistan Ashtar Osaf said that decision, in this case will have far-reaching consequences.
“twenty of PTI seats were reduced, after which they cannot have the same proportion. Nobody can tell which party will be successful in by-elections”.
Advocate-general said he would”more appropriate,” if the ECP had waited for a by-election.
