Election body opposes many proposals in draft

The Election Commission (EC) yesterday released its report on the draft constitution, suggesting a number of revised provisions relating to the electoral process.
In its report, the EC suggested keeping the existing electoral system, opposing any changes. It wants the House to allocate 400 seats via a direct vote in a single-seat constituency and 100 seats via the proportionate vote, known as the party-list system. It also supports an elected Senate with 200 seats. On campaign violations committed before the balloting, the EC wants the five election commissioners to have the jurisdiction to rule whether to disqualify candidates by issuing red or yellow cards. Under the draft provision, the courts would rule on the punishment for campaigning offences. Regarding electoral violations committed after the voting, the EC has suggested that the Appeal Court rule instead of the Supreme Court. It also demands sole jurisdiction to rule on issues relating to the electoral process without judicial intervention by the Supreme Administrative Court. It has asked for the enlargement of the EC screening committee from five to nine members. The screening committee members tasked with nominating the five election commissioners should comprise the president of the Constitution Court, the president of the Supreme Administrative Court, the House speaker and the Opposition leader. The remaining members are chairman of the ombudsmen, the chairman of the National Counter Corruption Commission, chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, chairman of the State Auditing Board, the attorney-general and chairman of the National Economic and Social Advisory Council.
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