Electoral reforms

Right way to do it

Governments are likely to create problems for themselves as well as for the country by not accepting popular demands despite their being genuine. With the passage of time what was once a minor problem tends to turn into a complicated and grave issue and when the government finally takes measures to address it, the aggrieved party rejects what is offered as too little too late. Soon after the elections almost every parliamentary party complained of election malpractices. Parties approached the ECP with complaints and demanded urgent redressal of their grievance. Foremost among the complainants was the PTI which wanted recount in four constituencies after thumb verification. The verdict was delayed with the result that the PTI now demands an audit of the entire election

Political parties complaining of rigging were advised to take up the issue in parliament instead of opting for protests. The parliament is the only forum to resolve political issues, they were told. The government on its part felt satisfied with the election results and showed little interest in electoral reforms. Once elected the PLM-N leadership in fact lost appetite for parliamentary proceedings. Being allergic to criticism the top leadership rarely attended proceedings in the two houses. Among other things the neglect of parliament led to failure to pass a single law in almost a whole year. Similarly complaints about rigging were not given importance. The PML-N, it was maintained, was given a mandate by the electorate to rule for five years. It should be allowed therefore to do its work without hassle.

Thus a whole year was allowed to pass without any move towards electoral reforms with the result that certain parties started to give more importance to protests than to NA sittings. Quite belatedly the PM directed the speaker to form a committee for electoral reforms. About a month and a half later the speaker has finally agreed on a procedure to constitute a committee. There is no word about when the committee is to meet. This shows a lack of seriousness in the government about electoral reforms.