Jamali in trouble as Anti-Defection Law comes into effect

It was only after the anti-floor crossing law was made in-operational that Jamali was elected with majority after 10 of the 81 members of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) headed by former PM Benazir Bhutto voted for him. The PM subsequently managed to win the vote of confidence with 16 votes early this week as more PPP members along with members from other parties voted for him allegedly under pressure exerted by the government.

Besides 21 defectors from PPP, two from the Islamist alliance Muthahida Majlis Amal (MMA) and two from the Pakistan Muslim League-N headed by deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif voted for Jamali. The 25 defectors, of which six of them have been made ministers appeared to be in trouble following the re-activation of the law as it would enable their parties to go to court challenging their defection.

However, officials here said the defectors need not worry as Musharraf has already amended the Anti-Defection Law to permit conscience vote. The major political parties have nevertheless rejected his amendments and taken oath under the 1973 Constitution. It was now open for judiciary, which has been accused of toeing the line of the military to interpret and take a stand on the constitution.

Welcoming the restoration of the law, the PPP said it would challenge it in higher courts. ‘‘From now on it would not be easy for the defectors to have a field day. They have to face the music in the courts. We hope to mount a challenge to Jamali govt during budget session’’ PPP spokesman, Faratullah Babar said. (PTI)