Next parliament to make final decision on July Charter: Ali Riaz

The next national parliament will take the final decision on the July Charter, said Prof Ali Riaz, who served as the vice-chairman of the National Consensus Commission, today (14 February).

Speaking at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital, Ali Riaz, special assistant to the chief adviser, outlined the role of elected representatives in implementing the democratic transition process following the referendum.

"Civil society and political parties have an important role in the process of democratic transition. The elected members of parliament will coordinate that process and move it towards implementation," he said.

Referring to the referendum results, he said the responsibility entrusted by voters had been recognised and spontaneous participation had been observed.

According to the information he shared, voter turnout in the referendum stood at 60.26%, with 'Yes' votes accounting for 68% of the total.

He added that about 1% more votes were cast in the referendum compared with the parliamentary election, noting that such differences were not unusual.

Ali Riaz said the elected parliament would also consider other issues, including notes of dissent.

He said, "The referendum is a democratic process and all political parties have a moral and political responsibility regarding the July Charter."

Regarding BNP's position, he said, "The party is in favour of reforms, and the Consensus Commission believes they will continue the trend."

He said the commission expected political parties to prioritise democratic practices over strict legal interpretations.

He also said the issue of forming the Upper House should be completed within six months and added that the referendum had made the people's verdict clear on the July Charter.