ECP wants general election under judiciary

Acting Chief Election Commissioner Justice Tassadaq Hussain Jillani on Wednesday said the commission was in favour of holding the next general election under the supervision of the judiciary, as Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said the change of government through votes strengthened the democratic process in the country.
Addressing a seminar at the Election Commission office in connection with Voters’ Day, the acting CEC said he had written a letter to the chief justice of Pakistan asking him to review the National Judicial Policy and allow the appointment of judges as district presiding officers and returning officers.
The seminar was attended by leaders of various political parties and members of the civil society.
He said proposals received from political parties and other concerned organisations were under consideration of the commission.
Justice Jillani said it had been laid down in the National Judicial Policy that the judiciary would not perform duties in the next election so that it could concentrate on its original functions.
However, the ECP considered the matter of organising next election under the supervision of the judiciary and it was agreed to request the chief justice for the purpose.
Acting ECP Secretary Mohammad Afzal briefed the participants about the arrangements made by the commission. He said the commission had prepared a code of conduct for the upcoming election that had been given to the political parties for their feedback.
CHIEF JUSTICE: In a meeting with the acting EC, Chief Justice Chaudhry said greater participation of voters in the election put positive pressure on the governing institutions to work for the well being of the people.
Ensuring active participation of voters required that all eligible people were on the electoral rolls, the CJ maintained.
“Participation of voters is also directly related to creating a conducive environment in and around the polling stations to ensure free and fair elections, which is a mandate of the constitution and shall shape the destiny of the nation,” the chief justice said.