It is reassuring to learn that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is taking positive steps towards creating an effective scrutiny process for the next elections. Its decision to constitute an investigating committee with officials from National Database and Registration Authority, Federal Board of Revenue, State Bank of Pakistan and National Accountability Bureau is an excellent first step in this direction. In order to provide transparency and confidence in the scrutiny process, one would expect the ECP to make public all actions beginning from the Returning Officer level till the final ‘yes’ or ‘no’ decision that will be taken to screen each candidate. Like other developed countries, the ECP could greatly enhance its credibility and effectiveness if it was to also co-opt at least five eminent citizens in all the screening committees that it intends to establish.
NAEEM SADIQ,
Lahore, February 20.