Independent winners can’t join parties, proposes NA bill

In a significant development, National Assembly has introduced Second Amendment Bill to the Elections Act 2024, aimed at reforming the country’s electoral landscape.

The bill, presented by PML-N member Bilal Kayani, seeks to restrict independent candidates from joining political parties after a specified period.

The proposed amendment targets Sections 66 and 104 of the Elections Act 2017, intending to prevent independent candidates from joining parties within a constitutionally defined timeframe.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that parties failing to submit a list of reserved seats within the specified period will forfeit their eligibility for those seats.

The bill further clarifies that candidates who do not submit an affidavit of party affiliation to the returning officer will be considered independent.

Moreover, candidates declaring party affiliation post-election will not be recognized as candidates of that party. The second amendment to the Elections Act 2017 will be enforced retroactively.

During the session, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, the law minister recommended referring the bill to the standing committee, which was subsequently approved. The committee chairman was instructed to convene a meeting the following day.