ECP, ROs and the election mess

What the PM must do now

Finally the election commission admits serious irregularities in the ’13 general election, but typically exonerates itself and transfers all the blame on to Returning Officers (ROs). This will, no doubt, buoy agitators seemingly running out of stream in Islamabad, giving them another stick to beat the government with. But since the report has taken its sweet time coming – and then released without fanfare on the Commission’s website – and smartly accepts all sorts of irregularities yet keeps the ECP safe, the government will need to take some urgent steps to restore rationality to the situation. Already government functionaries are beginning to show signs of strain, and the sooner this election problem is sorted the better for all.

First of all, the prime minister must appoint a strong, energetic, and reliable chief for the election commission. And this must be done after thorough consultation with the opposition. The last quality is perhaps most important, especially considering the mess left behind by the former head of the commission, who, incidentally, was initially trusted by all parties concerned. It would also help, as recommended by people on the media, that the new chief’s selection not be confined to the judiciary.

Then the government will also have to move quickly on the subject of election reforms. So far, it has taken action only when pushed against the wall, and that too to forestall worse problems than have already piled up. The election reforms committee must now be encouraged to complete its assignment on war footing so issues like electronic voting are settled and necessary constitutional amendments may be enacted without delay. But most importantly, since the Commission’s report raises as many questions as it provides answers, it must be investigated what exactly happened in May ’13 that the election is so disputed. Was it really the ROs fault and nobody else was involved? If the PM is seen taking the lead in solving the mess, he may restore some credibility and win political points.