Election laws to be amended in conformity with new law

The Federal government is to amend Electoral Rolls Act, 1974 thereby empowering the Election Commission (EC) to hold free, fair and transparent elections and bring the current laws in conformity with the 18th amendment, sources close to Secretary Election Commission told Business Recorder.
"In order to hold free, fair and transparent elections, to ensure the security and integrity of the database of electoral rolls and to bring the provisions in conformity with the provisions of the Constitutions as amended by the Constitution (18th amendment), Act, 2010, amendments are being proposed in the Electoral Rolls Act, 1974 (Act XXI of 1974) and the representation of the People Act, 1976," sources said.
Salient features of the proposed Bill are as follows: (i) Electrical Roll Act, 1974 is being amended to bring it in conformity with the Constitution as amended by the Constitution (18th amendment) Act, 2010 by replacing the " Commissioner" and the " Chief Election Commissioner" where necessary by the Election Commission; (ii) possession of National Identity Card (NIC) issued by Nadra for the purpose of preparing or revising the electoral rolls as well as casting votes; (iii) the NIC issued by Nadra shall be valid for the purpose of registration by the voter and casting of vote for poll notwithstanding the expiry of its validity period; (iv) leakage of information or data in breach of security shall be punishable with imprisonment for term which may extend up to five years or a fine up to Rs 5 million or with both; and (v) speedy trial of election petitions by the election tribunals by adopting the procedure of local commissions for recording evidence.
According to the amendments, a general election to the National Assembly or a Provincial Assembly shall be held within a period of sixty days immediately following the day in which the term of the Assembly is due to expire, unless the Assembly has been sooner dissolved and the results of the election shall be declared not later than fourteen days before that day. Sources said that a summary would be submitted to the federal Cabinet for introduction of the Bill in both houses of parliament.