Senate elections to be held through secret ballot, SC announces

Senate elections will be held through secret ballot, the Supreme Court of Pakistan announced in its opinion on the presidential reference on open Senate vote.

As per the details, the majority verdict (4-1) of the apex court mentioned that election of the upper house of the parliament are held under article 226 of the constitution of Pakistan. The majority verdict of the apex court also mentioned that all institutions should assist the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in arranging the elections.

The announcement comes after President Dr Arif Alvi on February 6 had signed Elections (Amendment) ordinance 2021 that would pave way for the organization of Senate elections through the open ballot.

According to the Ordinance, a copy of which available with ARY News, changes had been brought to Sections 81, 122, and 185 of the Constitution.

Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) earlier conducted a hearing on the presidential reference filed for the open ballot voting in the upcoming Senate elections.