Senate body for keeping check on election campaign expenditure

The Senate's Special Committee on Election on Tuesday said that the expenditure during the election campaign should be checked strictly to ensure free and fair elections. The meeting was held on Tuesday at Parliament House, under the chairmanship of leader of House Jehangir Badar.
The committee recommended that legislations should be made before general elections to make upcoming elections more fair and transparent.
The committee suggested that not only legislative, but administrative measures are also must for free and fair elections.
"There are multiple issues in the current general election holding process, which required amendments and some legislative administrative matters."
The committee was of the view that code of conduct must be introduced at the earliest, not only for political parties but also for media.
The members suggested that media is important player and introduction of code of law will help to avoid any favouritism for any political party or worker.
Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar suggested that there must be some comprehensive system by which overseas Pakistanis can vote confidently.
Senator Sughra Imam suggested that bill boards must not be allowed as it is expensive way of campaign.
The members of the committee said there are flaws in registering electoral roll on permanent address instead of current address. "There are people who migrated from one place to another in search of livelihood. No one should be enforced to cast vote on permanent address."
Committee Chairman Jehangir Badar said mandate of the committee was to review existing election laws and to improve the system. He asked the members to suggest recommendations and legislation would be made accordingly. Senator Ishaq Dar suggested to minimise the cost of election campaign, to help people participate in politics.
Senator Zahid Khan said polling stations were usually changed during the night with the help of local administration, which was responsible for rigging. ANP leader Shahi Syed said parliamentarians should perform their duties and legislation is must for transparent elections.
The committee decided to hold meetings with stakeholders and suggested to take appropriate measures to ensure free and fair elections.