presidential reference on article 63a 2022 Supreme Court's ruling analysis key points of the ruling votes of defecting lawmakers will not be counted the Supreme Court rule ruled that if a member of parliament votes against their party's directions in specific instances election of PM CM vote of confidence sh no confidence money Bill Constitutional Amendment Bill their vote won't be considered upholds party discipline the ruling emphasizes the importance of party discipline and aims to prevent floor Crossing and horse trading in Parliament strengthens political parties the decision strengthens the role of political parties in the Democratic process detailed analysis interpretation of article 63a the court interpreted article 63a to mean that the vote of a defecting lawmaker is invalid and should be discarded consequences for lawmakers lawmakers who defy their Pary directives risk losing their seat in Parliament if their party head initiates defection proceedings against them impact on political landscape this ruling has had a significant impact on Pakistan's political landscape making it more difficult for governments to be formed or toppled through floor Crossing further implications it promotes stability the ruling promotes stability in the parliamentary system by discouraging defections reduces horse trading it reduces the influence of money and power in politics by making it harder for lawmakers to be bought or sold empowers political parties it empowers political parties to enforce discipline and maintain their ideological cohesion conclusion the Supreme Court's ruling on the presidential reference on article 63a has been a landmark decision that has had a profound impact on Pakistan's political system by upholding the principle of party discipline the ruling has strengthened the role of political parties and promoted stability in the parliamentary system