Whither electoral reforms?

Leisurely, if any, movement

The institutions that have to play a vital role in the running of the system in Pakistan singularly lack dynamism. So whenever one of them shows revival of vital signs, this resuscitates the sagging confidence in public. The Election Commission of Pakistan has decided to introduce electronic voting machines in two years and use them in next polls due 2018. The move is however predicated on the Parliament introducing the needed constitutional amendment within two months.

The only worthwhile activity Parliament has performed during fourteen months of its life is providing the much needed support to the system which was being threatened by the activities of the PTI and PAT protesters camping outside Parliament to get the Prime Minister’s resignation. During the entire 2013-2014 parliamentary year, there was no legislation by the two Houses other than passing the budget document. The lassitude persists. While separate committees appointed by the PML-N and the Opposition conducted several sessions of talks with the PTI and PAT to resolve differences, none cared to bring the issues in the National Assembly for settlement. The Electoral Reforms Committee formed in July this year has moved in a leisurely way, holding only three meetings so far. It is supposed to finalise its recommendations by the end of this month. After that a consensus will have to be created for the required constitutional amendments.

There are several suggestions that will have to be considered by the reforms committee including the use of voting machines, giving expatriate Pakistanis right to vote, appointing CEC and members of the ECP from outside judiciary, changes in the election procedure of the ECP and appointing members of EC, more powers for the EC and the CEC, procedure for the appointment of caretaker governments in the light of the experiences gained during the 2013 General Elections and ways to ensure strict compliance with the prescribed ceiling on spending.

Unless the Electoral Reforms Committee displays sufficient oomph and is able to take timely decisions, fresh disputes might arise after the next elections.