The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has firmly refused to disclose its financial matters to the Senate Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, citing its status as an independent constitutional entity. The refusal came during a meeting where the committee, led by Dr. Humayun Mohmand, sought details of the ECP’s expenditures for the fiscal year 2023-2024, including salaries, travel costs, and other expenses. The committee also requested a breakdown of costs incurred during the February 8 general elections and a profile of ECP officers by province, designation, and qualifications.
In response, Secretary ECP Omar Hamid Khan emphasized that while the ECP supports transparency and accountability, it operates under Article 218(2) of the Constitution and is not subject to the jurisdiction of the Senate committee. This stance has sparked discontent among some committee members who perceive the ECP’s refusal as an affront to parliamentary oversight.
Senate Panel Reacts to ECP’s Refusal
Reacting to the ECP’s response, the committee chairperson, Dr. Humayun Mohmand, announced plans to escalate the matter to the Privileges Committee, deeming the refusal a disrespect to the Senate. “I will go to the Privileges Committee on this; this is a mockery of the Senate. Not attending the meeting for a briefing constitutes our disrespect,” he stated. Other members, like PTI’s Senator Ali Zafar, expressed concerns over what they termed an insult to the committee’s authority, insisting that the ECP, including the Chief Election Commissioner, is accountable to parliamentary supervision.
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The ECP, however, reiterated its position that as a constitutional body, it does not fall under any ministry or division, and its financial matters, charged against the Federal Consolidated Fund under Article 81, are outside the Senate’s oversight. The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, which acts as a communication channel for legislative matters, supported the ECP’s stance, suggesting the matter be referred to the Senate chairman for guidance.
Call for Clarity and Further Deliberations
Despite the disagreement, some committee members, including PPP’s Senator Sarmad Ali, called for clearer definitions of the ECP’s relationship with the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and its legislative responsibilities. They proposed further deliberations to determine the extent of the Senate’s authority over the ECP’s activities.
The debate continues over whether the ECP should be accountable to the Senate, with implications for the balance of power between Pakistan’s legislative and independent electoral bodies. The outcome of this clash could set a precedent for the future functioning of independent constitutional entities in the country, as both sides seek to assert their roles in promoting transparency and accountability.