A positive development however hectic it may prove
Political parties which were toying with the idea of nominating the CEC from outside judiciary are again suggesting the names of retired judges for the post. A major reason is that the Committee on Electoral Reforms has yet to make a recommendation in this respect followed by Parliament passing the necessary constitutional amendment. Had the Committee worked more efficiently the matter would have been resolved by now. Unlike 2013 when there was unanimity on the name of Fakhruddin G Ibrahim, a consensus is yet to be evolved on one of the several names that have been suggested. Former Justice Bhagwandas who might have fitted the bill has excused himself because his nomination would have required amendment in Federal Public Service Commission Ordinance which would have carried the stigma of passing a person specific law. Even after the required constitutional amendment the search for a suitable candidate from outside judiciary would not be easy. The bureaucrats have lost much of their independence after the withdrawal of constitutional guarantees by ZAB while public figures may not in all cases posses the requisite administrative experience.
The ongoing exercise in finding a commonly acceptable CEC is a positive development. That the process started only after a deadline was given by the SC indicates a weakness in the political parties. Unless politicians fulfill their duties on time, they are likely to surrender their turf to other institutions.
PTI chief Imran Khan is particularly concerned about having a genuinely independent Election Commission with a powerful CEC. In his meeting with Leader of the Opposition Khursheed Shah, PTI VP Qureshi suggested the name of a former judge for the post. The concern shown requires the party to return to the NA to join the deliberations in the Committee on Election Reforms instead of boycotting the vital exercise. Another PTI MNA has meanwhile decided to return to the NA in violation of party discipline. More are expected to follow suit. It is time Khan revised his rigid position. He has to realise that flexibility is the essence of democracy.
