FAFEN declares 2021 by-elections better than 2018 GE, despite NA-75 violence
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FAFEN declares 2021 by-elections better than 2018 GE, despite NA-75 violence
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - A report released by the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN), an election fairness watchdog, says that despite the violent incidents in NA-75, the recent by-elections were better than the 2018 general elections.
In its report, FAFEN has expressed satisfaction with improvements in the polling and counting process of the by-elections held across the country from February 16 to 21.
However, the report said that during the by-elections, there were violations of coronavirus SOPS, illegal election campaigns and other general violations. It also suggested improving administrative matters outside polling stations in NA-75.
Imran attends fewer NA sittings than Sharif
PM’s average attendance in parliament during two and a half years stands at 10.6%
Prime Minister Imran Khan interacts with general public via telephone on February 1, 2020. PHOTO: PMO
ISLAMABAD:
Right after taking the oath of office in August 2018, Prime Minister Imran Khan had promised to empower parliament and to attend the National Assembly sittings at least twice a month to answer lawmakers’ questions.
However, a comparison of the data of the first two-and-a-half-years rule of PM Imran with his predecessor Nawaz Sharif shows that Imran attended fewer sittings than Sharif.
According to the Free and Fair Election Network (Fafen), between August 13, 2018 and February 4, 2021, the National Assembly held 28 sessions that comprised 198 sittings.
Quorum issue marred 31 NA sittings
Ruling party is also pointed out lack of quorum twice in unprecedented move
PHOTO: APP/FILE
ISLAMABAD:
What happens when the sufficient number of lawmakers does not attend a sitting of the National Assembly? The quorum is pointed out; the speaker is forced to adjourn the sitting and all the arrangements made for the day go in vain.
According to the Free and Fair Election Network (Fafen), 28 sessions – equivalent to 198 sittings – of the National Assembly have held since the PTI came into power. In these sittings, quorum was pointed out 46 times and 31 of these sittings had to be adjourned due to lack of quorum.
• Opposition points out lack of quorum, stages walkout
ISLAMABAD: Despite clearly lacking numbers and even struggling to maintain quorum, the government on Wednesday finally presented in the National Assembly the 26th Constitution Amendment Bill seeking open Senate vote and giving right to dual nationals to contest the general elections for a discussion and vote amid ruckus by the opposition parties.
The government presented the bill at a time when the Senate elections are only weeks away and the Supreme Court was still hearing the presidential reference seeking open vote for the Senate in order to prevent horse-trading and trade of votes during the Senate polls.
ISLAMABAD: With COVID-19 vaccine procurement in its initial stages, questions of accountability, transparency, and participatory decision-making remain unanswered at all policy and decision-making.