Islamabad : New electoral laws deprived the Local Bodies (LB) candidates to file an appeal in the Supreme Court (SC) against the decisions of Election Tribunal.
In the past, such candidates can appeal in the Supreme Court against the decision of Electoral Tribunal but now new laws confined their appeal’s right up to High Court so that burden of apex court could be mitigated.
Under clause 155 of new electoral law, members of the National Assembly, Senate and provincial assemblies have the right to appeal in the Supreme Court. Whereas the candidates of local bodies can challenge electoral results initially in a the court of a Sessions judge and decisions of the sessions judge can be challenged in the concerned High Court and a decision of the high court will be final and without the right of appeal in the Supreme Court.
Under the new laws, Election Tribunal is bound to tell reasons for declaring any election as null and void, whereas rejecting the appeal, it is the responsibility of Election Tribunal to give reasons and documentary proof relating to the successful candidate.
