Saving the electoral process
The election process, which represents the people's collective voice and will, is the cornerstone of democracy. It stands for the essential idea that every person has the right to influence…
Reforming electoral processes
Two key factors have ensured that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) continues to remain archaic and ineffective. First, a truly reformed, efficient and effective ECP will methodically scrutinise and…
The process of electoral reforms
The initiative of the PML-N government to forestall the prospects of horse-trading in the Senate elections by changing the mode of voting from secret ballot to ‘show of hands’ and…
Due process
“In the circumstances of the present case, she appears to be a person, in the words of Shakespeare’s King Lear, ‘more sinned against than sinning’.” — Justice Asif Saeed Khosa…
Diluting electoral credibility
IT is distressing to see the federal government legislating by presidential decree to the total exclusion of any consultative process both within and outside parliament. The number of ordinances promulgated…
Seshan’s electoral reforms
Liberia’s presidential election of 1927 saw incumbent president Charles King garnering 234,000 against 9,000 votes. It would have been a remarkable victory but for a glaring faux pas. At that…
India’s electoral lessons
When elections take place in the world’s largest democracy, political eyes across the globe are naturally fixated on India. With the world’s biggest population and vast, diverse landscapes, vote counting…
Within an electoral cycle
Dear friends, in the year 2029, as we reflect on the past five years, it is highly satisfying to note how much has been possible within an electoral cycle. We…
All about electoral participation
As elections are likely to be held in January 2024, there is renewed talk about improving electoral participation and making elections credible. On that basis, a discussion paper by Tahir…
Electoral reforms
A joint session of parliament passed the Elections (Amendment) Bill 2023 last week. Through this bill, the coalition government has made 54 amendments in the Election Act 2017, most of…
