Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) has ruled that the Senate polls are to be held through secret ballot under Article 226 of the Constitution. The verdict was issued this morning.
It was a 4-1 majority ruling by a five-member larger bench of the Supreme Court. Headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed, the bench comprised Justice Mushir Alam, Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Yahya Afridi.
The bench ruled that open balloting cannot be done as per the constitution, adding that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has the right to take the necessary steps to ensure transparency of the process. The bench further said that the secrecy of the vote is not absolute, adding that the ECP has powers to use ‘technology’ to curb corruption during the election.
The apex court had reserved its verdict on Saturday.
It was a 4-1 majority ruling by a five-member larger bench of the Supreme Court. Headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed, the bench comprised Justice Mushir Alam, Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Yahya Afridi.
The bench ruled that open balloting cannot be done as per the constitution, adding that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has the right to take the necessary steps to ensure transparency of the process. The bench further said that the secrecy of the vote is not absolute, adding that the ECP has powers to use ‘technology’ to curb corruption during the election.
The apex court had reserved its verdict on Saturday.