News
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
ECP yet to compile data of dual nationality holder MPs* No column in nomination papers regarding dual nationality
ISLAMABAD: Although the Election Commission has taken decision to bar dual nationality holders from becoming members of parliament, yet it has no current data of the parliamentarians having dual nationality.
An official at Election Commission, when contacted to know the details of dual nationality holders, informed APP on Tuesday that the Commission had no data about the parliamentarians with dual nationality. “We do not have any such details. Neither there has been any column in the nomination papers regarding dual nationality nor any other mechanism to check if an applicant holds a nationality other than Pakistani,” the official stated.
He, however, explained that the provision had been in the constitution since decades but it was for the first time that the ECP made this provision of the constitution mandatory for the future election contestants. “Unfortunately, this provision of the constitution could not be implemented earlier and credit for this decision goes to the present commission,” he added.
Elaborating on legal and constitutional effects of the decision, the official stated that ECP had powers to probe about parliamentarians who held dual nationality. “ECP can take action even against the sitting members as they were elected when this provision was already in the constitution.”
The official said, after this decision of the commission, anybody having valid evidence about any parliamentarian’s dual nationality can also move the court. To a question about any tentative action on holding dual nationality, the official remarked, a court verdict against any dual nationality holder may lead to his or her disqualification.
The Election Commission of Pakistan on Monday had decided to bar dual nationality holders from becoming members of parliament. The decision is a landmark in electoral history of the country as well as a step towards fulfilment of another constitutional provision towards impartiality and independence of Election Commission. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk