But only in order to put the House in order
The transition to a democratic culture is necessary albeit painful. Modern democracy cannot work in the absence of transparency, a strong legal system and rule of law. The ruling elite in Pakistan however is the product of a culture of privilege and is used to an environment characterised by opaqueness, arbitrary decision making and prevalence of vague and flexible laws. Some of the proposals formulated by the Election Commission to ensure transparency and accountability may not, therefore, sit well with the parliamentarians. It is time they began to learn to play according to the rules of the game. This is all the more important on account of an independent EC, a free media and an assertive judiciary. Recently some of the parliamentarians have come under spotlight for possessing fake degrees, holding dual nationality in violation of the constitution and allegations of tax dodging. With the elections around the corner, they have a chance to improve the image of the new legislature.
Most of the proposals prepared by the EC centre round financial transparency which is not only the requirement of a democratic polity but also the economic system. Tax evasion by hiding the real incomes has become a widespread phenomenon leading to a very low tax-to-GDP ratio. Unless those at the top pay full taxes and are not seen to be involved in financial scams, there is little hope of any improvement below. The parliamentarians therefore need to set an example. Candidates will be required to supply information about sources of income and tax returns during the last three years. The information regarding property held inside the country and abroad will have to be more detailed than before. They will also have to furnish details of their children studying abroad and expenses incurred on their education, foreign trips undertaken by them during the period and the cost incurred. The detailed information is meant to ensure that their expenses are in conformity with their declared incomes.
The proposals will be sent to the law department which will send them in the form of a bill to the NA for necessary enactment. Thus it is the parliament which is to decide the fate of the proposals. While the 20th amendment has ensured the freedom and empowerment of the EC, the commitment of the parliamentarians to a powerful EC is yet to be tested. One hopes they will not resent the EC seeking information never demanded in the past. They need to realise that by setting their house in order they would be uplifting their image.
