As the time for the general elections draws near, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is gearing up to ensure that those who do not come up to the requirements laid down in the constitution for eligible candidates are not allowed to contest. Ordinarily, it is expected of the ECP to take, on its own, the measures it is planning to take for this purpose regardless of the situation on the ground and, one would like to think, it might have done that. However, in the general public perception and quite a few political commentators, the prevailing atmosphere charged with strong sentiments against the present rulers for their corrupt practices and mismanagement of the affairs of the state and the high hopes the people entertain for change have been the determining factors. And the change, they feel, can only come about if dishonest and self-seekers like fake degree holders, tax evaders and loan defaulters, though being powerful and influential, are excluded from the process.
ECP Secretary Ishtiak Ahmed Khan, talking to the media after the commission’s meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Election Commissioner on Wednesday, said that a formula was being evolved in consultation with the State Bank and the Federal Board of Revenue to scrutinise the tax details and bank loans of politicians to prevent the tax evaders and loan defaulters from taking part in the elections. Similarly, in the case of fake degrees, the ECP was coordinating with the Higher Education Commission for the verification of degrees. While the ECP has removed the ban on recruitment for institutions like courts, Public Service Commissions, State Bank, as for the funds issue is concerned, it has promised to look into the matter.
In the meantime, some other developments are taking place that certain circles apprehend might impinge upon the schedule of elections, putting them off for months, maybe for years. Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf and Tahirul Qadri’s Pakistan Awami Tehrik have formally joined hands in questioning the legality of the ECP where four out of the five members, they maintain, have been chosen in violation of constitutional provisions. Dr Qadri has already filed a petition asking for its reconstitution. The PML-Q has also voiced its position against the presently constituted ECP. The people in general wish and hope for change, but at the same time strongly feel that the elections are not delayed. The answer lies in all concerned institutions speeding up the process.