Islamabad: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has reserved judgment following the completion of arguments by the respondents on the petition filed against the suspension of schedule regarding by polls on one vacant seat of Senate in KP.
During the hearing of the petition the lawyers of petitioner and rival group raised legal points in detail about electoral rules and powers of ECP.
Ali Gohar Durrani counsel for petitioner Irfan Salim took the plea Murad Saeed had become disqualified on March 24 while ECP issued schedule of Senate by polls on March 25.
He said under election act, election schedule once issued cannot be withdrawn except death of any candidate. This principle is applicable to general election too.
The counsel argued schedule of by polls of Senate was not challenged in any court. Despite it ECP suspended it while holding election is constitutional obligation of ECP.
He said Murad Saeed was elected senator but he had not taken oath. ECP had declared his seat vacant on March 26.
The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) inquired during the hearing when Election Commission had declared the seat vacant then this step should be seen in what perspective legally.
The counsel took the plea different legal aspects are there in law with reference to disqualification of any one or vacant seat which should be kept in view.
In reply to reply Jalal Khan advocate argued that Murad Saeed was not representing the province and election process is public law process which should move forward as per prescribed legal norms.
The ECP reserved judgment on petition regarding suspension of KP Senate seat by polls schedule which will be announced later.