Pressure tactics by the federal government coupled with silent support from all provincial governments is likely to lead Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Fakharuddin G Ebrahim to surrender over the issue of electoral reforms, Pakistan Today has learnt reliably.
A source in the election watchdog told Pakistan Today that the CEC was facing isolation over the issue because the four provincial election commissions have also advised him not to insist for electoral reforms since there was little time left.
“We fear that if further pressure mounts over the CEC, he may opt to resign leaving behind a constitutional crisis since he holds a tenure post and his ouster may result in a delay in election,” the source added.
According to the source, the federal and provincial governments were persistent on their stance that the implementation of electoral reforms bill as proposed by the ECP was impossible because verification of information provided by all the candidates contesting for national and provincial assemblies was not possible in the stipulated time.
“It seems that the four provincial election commission members have joined hands and they are pressing the CEC not to insist for electoral reforms while all possible tactics are being used by Law Minister Farooq H Naek to thwart this bid,” the source added.
However, the source said that the CEC seems in no mood to budge even an inch from his principled and legal stance and is insisting for implementation of the bill even if the ECP has decided with majority against the proposed bill and there are chances he might resign in protest.
The enforcement of electoral reforms bill will directly hit the interests of PPP, PML-N, ANP and other traditional political parties as it would block entry of politicians accused of massive corruption. The bill also seeks 30 days to scrutinise the credentials of candidates such as tax returns, foreign visits, bank loans and utility bills etc.
When contacted, ECP Director General Elections Sher Afgan did not give his point of view on the matter.
The ECP had approved a draft of electoral reforms for effective legislation aimed at implementation of articles 62 and 63 of the constitution to curb rigging in the upcoming general elections, besides ensuring transparency and credibility of polls. In addition, the commission also proposed enhancement of monetary penalty for illegal and corrupt practices by contesting candidates and approved an increased nomination fee for the candidates.
