Government cannot be pressurized to call early Elections

Chairman Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reforms Ishaq Dar Thursday said that currently no proposal is under deliberation of the federal government to call early general elections. Talking to media persons after an in-camera parliamentary committee meeting, he said it is the discretion of the Prime Minister to call early elections, adding that the government cannot be pressurised to call an early election.

Dar further announced that the electoral reforms agenda would be ready before the annual budget. He said that due to a lengthy legislation regarding military courts, the constitutional amendments in election laws could not be finalised. Asked about the Panama Leaks, the minister replied they would comment in this regard only after they receive the court’s verdict.

He further revealed that the subcommittee on electoral reforms was given additional time to complete its report, adding that the committee was directed to hold meets on a daily basis. Replying to a question, he said the government would look into the possibility of use of electronic voting machines in general election. Sources, however, said that opposition parties in the subcommittee on electoral reforms have reservations over the use of electronic voting machines in the next general election.