Electioneering: Supreme Court criticises ECP for failing to monitor expenditure

The Supreme Court on Tuesday observed that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) did not exercise its constitutional powers to monitor expenditure incurred on election campaigns of various candidates. Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry-led bench that also comprise Justice Khilji Arif Hussain and Justice Tariq Parvez was hearing a petition filed by a noted lawyer Abid Hasan Minto on behalf of Workers Party, seeking court orders for a reduction in expenses during general election.
Attorney General for Pakistan Maulvi Anwarul Haq assured the court of submit government's point of view over the matter during the course of the day (Tuesday). "We wish that there should be a culture of transparent elections in the country, in which there should be no projection of money," the chief justice said. Abid Hasan Minto argued the difference between rich and the poor had nothing to do with political system and the present culture must come to an end to give democracy a chance.
Justice Tariq Parvez noted that the code of conduct for judges had improved. He said parliamentarians could reform the system of election expenditure. Meanwhile, the court directed Minto to conclude his arguments by today (Wednesday). The court also directed Hamid Khan, a party to the case, to advance his arguments on Thursday. Dr Khalid Ranjha, counsel for PML-Q, contended that there was no need of any legislation to curtail election expenditures. According to him if ECP ensures implementation on the existing laws in relation to elections, the problem will be automatically solved automatically.
Earlier on February 21, 2012, the Supreme Court had put on notice 26 political parties, including Pakistan People's Party and the PML-N, to come up with replies in response to petition against heavy spending on elections. According to the ECP, only 26 political parties are currently functioning in the country. The petitioner has also pleaded for barring political parties from holding huge rallies and putting up banners. Instead, the petition suggested, parties should conduct door-to-door campaigns and be given an equal time on PTV to present their manifestos. The bench adjourned hearing of the case till April 11 (today).