Opposition parties have decided to oppose the constitutional amendment to hold the Senate elections through the open ballot. The amendment was introduced by the ruling PTI, local media reported on Saturday.

Geo News, while citing unknown sources, shared, “the Opposition has decided to not let the amendment pass through the parliament and a strategy would be finalized on Monday before the National Assembly session.”

Prime Minister Imran Khan had earlier this month approved the proposal to introduce a bill comprising three amendments to bring “transparency in the electoral process”. The bill would be presented in Parliament next week ahead of the upcoming Senate elections.

The federal government had also sought the Supreme Court's (SC) advice on the matter. In a reference, filed under Article 186 of the Constitution, the government sought guidance from the Supreme Court about holding the upcoming Senate polls through the open ballot.

It is pertinent to mention that opposition parties are considering to contest jointly under the banner of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), an 11 party opposition alliance against the PTI-led government.

The suggestion came from the former President and co-chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Asif Ali Zardari as he believes that a joint-candidature will allow the opposition alliance to secure more seats in upcoming elections. The final decision in this regard will be taken in the upcoming PDM meeting to be held on 4th February.