ISLAMABAD: Members of the Senate, both from the treasury and opposition benches, unanimously passed the Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2009, here on Tuesday.

The bill presented by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan, who thanked the members of parliament for unanimous resolution.

The members were apprised that the proposed amendments were required pursuant to the judgement, dated April 21, 2008 passed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in its constitutional petition.

The court in its judgement had declared as void the provisions of Article 8A of the Conduct of General Elections Order, 2002 (Chief Executive Order No.7 of 2002) and clause (cc) of the Sub-section (1) of the Representation of the people Act, 1976 on account of their being inconsistent with Articles 17 and 25 of the Constitution.

Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Babar Awan termed the abolishment of the graduation condition by the upper house as a significant development for strengthening the democratic system.

'Today, the Senate of Pakistan has passed Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2009 meant at abolishing the graduation condition for participating in national and provincial assemblies' elections,” Awan told reporters Tuesday at he Parliament House.

'Now the bill has been turned into an act and it would come into force after signature of President of Pakistan,' he said, adding that it was a remarkable step towards ensuring participation of all citizens in the democratic process.

The Senate also unanimously passed Cotton Standardization (Amendment) Act, 2000 presented by Minister for Textile Industries Rana Muhammad Farooq Saeed Khan, he said.

The Senate also unanimously passed another bill: the Cotton Standardization (Amendment) Act, 2000 presented by Minister for Textile Industries Rana Muhammad Farooq Saeed Khan.

Chairman Senate Farooq H. Naek later adjourned the Upper House of the parliament to meet again on Wednesday evening at 4.30 pm.-APP