ISLAMABAD, June 25, 2014: The provincial Finance Minister concluded debate on the supplementary budget for the year 2013-14 during 9^th sitting of the 9^th session of the Punjab Assembly on Wednesday, says Free and Fair Election Network in its Daily Factsheet.

In all, 26 members – PML-N (12), PTI (10), PPPP, JI, PML (one each) and an Independent lawmaker- participated in the debate that continued for two hours and 44 minutes.

The Chief Minister was not present while the Leader of the Opposition attended the proceedings for 54 minutes. The parliamentary leaders of JI and PPPP also attended the sitting.

PTI female lawmaker pointed out quorum at 1523 hours. The Chair ordered the bells to be rung for five minutes and the proceedings resumed at 1532 after the quorum was found complete.

The opposition lawmakers walked out of the House when the Chair did not allow the Leader of the Opposition to move a motion against the Chief Minister. They returned to the House after 13 minutes.

A PTI lawmaker protested over the alleged misbehavior of PML-N female legislator against him. He left the House along with other opposition lawmakers but returned after half an hour.

Following are some key observations of the proceedings:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings:

• The Punjab Assembly met for three hours and 47 minutes.
• The sitting started at 1100 hours against the scheduled time of 1000 hours, witnessing a delay of an hour.
• Sixty-nine members were present at the start and 92 at the end of sitting. A maximum of 104 members were observed to be present at one point during the sitting.
• The Speaker presided over the sitting for an hour and 30 minutes, Deputy Speaker for 55 minutes while the rest of the proceedings were chaired by the members of panel of chairpersons.
• The Chief Minister did not attend the sitting while the Leader of the Opposition was present for 54 minutes.
• The parliamentary leaders of JI and PPPP attended the sitting.
• Five minority members were present.
• None of the members applied for leave.

Output

• PTI lawmaker presented reports on six privilege motions.
• The House gave approval to Standing Committee on Education by extending the reporting period of the Punjab Free and Compulsory Education Ordinance 2014 for a further period of two months with effect from July 15, 2014.
• The House also extended the reporting period of Privilege Committee for two months regarding reports on three privilege motions of 2013 and 10 of 2014.

Representation and Responsiveness

• Overall 26 members, including Finance Minister – PML-N (12), PTI (10), PPPP, JI, PML (one each) and an Independent lawmaker- participated in the debate on supplementary budget that continued for two hours and 44 minutes.
• The Minister for Finance concluded debate on supplementary budget in ten minutes.

Order and Institutionalization

• Nine points of order consumed 13 minutes of the proceedings.
• PTI female lawmaker pointed out quorum at 1523 hours. The Chair ordered the bells to be rung for five minutes and the proceedings resumed at 1532 when quorum was found complete.
• The opposition lawmakers walked out of the House when the Chair did not allow the Leader of the Opposition to move a motion against the Chief Minister. They returned to the House after 13 minutes.
• PTI lawmaker protested over the alleged misbehavior of PML-N female lawmaker with him. He left the House along with other opposition lawmakers and returned only after half an hour.

Transparency

• ‘Orders of the day’ was available to the legislators, observers and others.
• Information on members’ attendance was unavailable to observers and the public.

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The Daily Factsheet is based on direct observation of Punjab Assembly proceedings conducted by PATTAN Development Organization, a member organization of FAFEN