ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has opposed holding senate elections by open ballot during hearing of presidential reference seeking guidance of the apex court over the matter senate elections.

According to details, a five-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Gulzar Ahmed and comprising Justice Mushir Alam, Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan and Justice Yahya Afridi conducted hearing over the reference.

As per details, ECP submitted its response and opposed the idea of holding senate elections through show of hands.

“Article 226 of the Constitution makes it clear that all elections except for the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister will be held by secret ballot,” ECP said in its response adding, “Articles 59, 219 and 224 of the Constitution also mention senate elections.”

During previous hearing, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) also opposed holding senate elections by open ballot.

Earlier on December 23, Government filed the reference in Supreme Court (SC), signed by President Arif Alvi, seeking guidance of the apex court over the matter of holding senate elections by open ballot.

The reference, prepared under Article 186 of the Constitution, was filed by Attorney General of Pakistan, Khalid Javed Khan.

It was stated in the reference that open balloting will ensure transparency in senate elections.