ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary panel will start reviewing poll-related clauses of the constitution next week as part of its work to put in place an improved framework for elections.

This was decided at a meeting of a sub-committee of the parliamentary body on electoral reforms which was held here with Zahid Hamid in the chair.

The committee completed review of Senate Elections Act, 1975, on Tuesday and will meet again on Wednesday to review the procedure for Senate seats from Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) and reserved seat for women from Islamabad.

Also read: Fata MNAs elect four senators

Under the existing procedure, 12 members of the National Assembly form an electoral college to elect eight members of Senate from Fata.

Four members of Senate from Fata are elected every three years on expiry of term of half of the members.

Many believe that the procedure had flaws in it as a small number of lawmakers decide the fate of Senate candidates from Fata and it leaves room for manoeuvring and sale of votes.

The procedure was changed in March this year through a late-night presidential order, but that too was controversial and led to postponement of election on four seats.

The elections on these seats took place a few days after when the controversial order was withdrawn.

Under the existing procedure, there is a single Senate seat reserved for women from Islamabad and the entire National Assembly votes for it.

Published in Dawn, May 6th, 2015

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