ISLAMABAD, Feb 24 (NNI): Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed, while hearing the Presidential reference on Senate open balloting, on Wednesday said the parliament will decide the voting method, i.e. secret or open as the apex court will not intervene in the matter.

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) counsel Raza Rabbani argued that no member can be forced to show his or her vote and the Senate elections cannot be held under temporary legislation.

The CJP remarked that if the constitution directs to conduct the polls by secret voting then the method must be followed, and every institution is bound to function within its jurisdictions. There is no alternative to the parliament, he said while adding that only those questions will be answered which were asked in the reference.

Barrister Salahuddin said it is the role of the parliament to end corruption from the electoral proceedings. The top court remarked that it has to be determined whether Article 226 is applicable on the Senate elections. The hearing was adjourned till tomorrow. NNI