Systemic shift

This letter refers to the news report ‘Alvi says will welcome dialogue about next elections’ (April 13, 2025). Elections are typically held every five years in Pakistan, under the first-past-the-post system. This is a simple system where whoever receives the most number of votes, even if by a very narrow margin, gets the parliament seat and the runner up gains nothing and is locked out of decision-making.

Considering the overall perception of elections in Pakistan as being unfair and the inability of elections to bring about meaningful change, I suggest that Pakistan adopt the proportional representation system. Under this framework, seats in the legislature are allocated to political parties based on their share of the total votes, aiming to reflect the overall popular vote. Implementing this system could bring more harmony to our political sphere and lower the animosity evident after every election.

Anas A Khan

Edmonton

Canada