Leaders of the Opposition’s Pakistan Democratic Movement have shown vehement opposition to the government’s move to bring about an amendment to the Elections Act and hold Senate elections via show of hands.

In a meeting between PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz, it was agreed that the procedure for Senate elections can not be changed without a constitutional amendment.

According to sources, Maryam Nawaz said that it will be known in the Senate election who is standing with whom.

She did not reject the option of a no-confidence motion against the prime minister.

Meanwhile, Fazlur Rehman said that if it comes to it, PDM will approach the court over the matter.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, in a press conference, voiced similar concerns, saying that an amendment can only be brought about through the parliament.

“حکومت چاہتی ہے کہ سینٹ الیکشن سے قبل ہر حربہ استعمال کر کے 2018 کے انتخابات کی طرح اداروں کو متنازع بنا کر اب سینیٹ الیکشنن میں بھی دھاندلی کی جائے۔”

چیئرمین پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی بلاول بھٹو زرداری@BBhuttoZardari#illegalOrdinanceRejected
1/4 pic.twitter.com/R7ML6xqs5R

— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) February 6, 2021

He questioned the need to promulgate an ordinance when the matter is sub judice and a court ruling is awaited.

The PPP chairman vowed to not let the government “violate the sanctity” of the secret ballot in the Senate elections.