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The opposition has been crying foul after the Gilgit Baltistan elections claiming that there was rigging and seats were stolen. This has been the norm by the losing side after every election amid demands to bring in much needed electoral reforms.
The government has finally decided to introduce electronic voting for the next elections so that the polls are held in a free, fair and transparent manner instead of leveling rigging allegations. Overseas Pakistanis, who are considered a valuable asset, will also be given voting rights. This is a great decision but there will be challenges in implementation.
The 2018 general elections were the most expensive in the country’s history. The introduction of voting machines will increase the costs manifold along with training polling staff to use them. This will also cause logistical challenges in remote areas. Electronic voting reduces the number of votes at each polling station and the Election Commission will have to decide whether to increase voting duration or the number of polling booths.
Another decision taken by the government is to introduce a constitutional amendment ending secret balloting in the Senate elections. If passed, the upcoming elections for the Upper House scheduled for March will be held by a show of hands. During the last elections, there was massive horse-trading and the PTI had even expelled several party members for voting against party policy. It needs to be seen how the opposition will react as the PTI is set to cement control in the Senate soon.
The PTI had raised accusations of massive rigging in the 2013 general elections but Nawaz Sharif’s government refused to open four constituencies. This compelled PTI to hold a 126-day long sit-in outside parliament but electoral reforms were not introduced. These accusations were repeated in 2018 elections when PTI gained power and the opposition has been campaign ever since. If the PTI government is able to introduce electoral reforms then it will be part of its legacy.
It is imperative that a democratic government make efforts for free, fair and transparent elections. Many countries including India have introduced e-voting and other methods to stop allegations of voter fraud and rigging. It’s time that Pakistan also brings in electoral reforms as it will strengthen democracy.
