The history of successful democracies in the world shows that they evolved through political maturity. Our government is learning this lesson as well, and in a generous display of respect for democratic norms, the government has given consent for the formulation a new Electoral Reforms Parliamentary Committee and is duly supporting it. This committee is trying to identify procedural flaws. All political stakeholders are provided with this vital opportunity to make a meaningful contribution for improving the electoral process.
The Electoral Reforms Parliamentary Committee will have 7 members from PML-N, 4 members from PPP, 3 members each from MQM and PTI and other members, giving political representation to other parties as well.The committee will ensure that stakeholders reach a consensus and givecomprehensive recommendations to change electoral reforms to suit our needs.
PTI seems oblivious of the fact that this opportunity of contributing in the Committee’s deliberations is perhaps the only meaningful opening available to them to put their proposal into effect. The committee has 3 months to discuss, agree, formulate and then present its comprehensive and agreed upon electoral reforms proposals to the National Assembly. It will depend on the recommendations of the committee to decide either the reforms are to be enacted, through an act of parliament or through constitutional amendment.It is hoped that the government’s sincerity to effect electoral reforms through proper channelswill be appreciated by the political parties with similar sincerity and concern for the country.
FAIZAN RASHID MALIK,
Lahore, July 24.