EVM Related Bill Passed In Joint Session

Web Desk — Despite intense protest by the opposition, the government on Wednesday managed to amend the Election Act 2017 during parliament’s joint session, allowing the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and giving overseas Pakistanis the right to vote in general elections.

The joint opposition led by PML-N president and opposition leader in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif rejected the legislation and termed it a black day in Pakistan’s parliamentary history.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari argued that as per the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007, the government required a majority of the total membership of the NA and Senate to get a bill passed in a joint session, which amounts to 222 members.

The government, on the other side, opined that as per Article 72 of the Constitution, it required a simple majority of the members present during a joint sitting to get a bill passed.

Earlier voting on the Election Amendment Bill 2021 was deferred — after a strong protest by the Opposition — at Adviser to the Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs Babar Awan’s request, but the government, after a while put it to vote again.

Later the Opposition staged a walkout, saying that National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser’s role was partial and that he had acted against the sanctity of the house.

Talking to the media opposition leaders said they would challenge the controversial legislation in the Supreme Court.