ISLAMABAD: The government tabled the 20th Constitutional Amendment bill in the National Assembly on Monday.

The bill, moved by Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, recommends an amendment in Article 219 of the Constitution to rectify a “constitutional wrong”, which surfaced after a number of members were elected to the parliament and provincial assemblies without meeting the criteria set in the 18th Amendment.

The bill, if passed, will authorise the chief election commissioner to hold by-elections without constituting a four-member election commission—a mandatory requirement under the 18th Amendment.

The statement of objects and reasons of the bill says that, in judgment of the Supreme Court of Pakistan dated 25-4-2011 in the Constitution Petition No 32/2009, direction was given to the Federation for constitution of an Election Commission in accordance with the amended provisions of the Constitution.

Moreover, certain observations were also made in the course of hearing of Constitution Petition No.31/2001, particularly with reference to by-elections, which had been conducted by the Chief Election Commissioner in the interregnum, it adds.

In order to give legal cover, it has become necessary to amend the Constitution for the said purpose, said the statement.

Earlier, the House deferred the National Commission for Women Bill, 2011 with an aim to give members more time for further deliberation.