Electoral reforms

After the Judicial Commission’s report the PTI’s chest-thumping session should stop. The government’s initial euphoria and jubilation associated with the outcome of the report will subside eventually. However, this does not absolve our political parties of their responsibility to reform the present modus operandi of the Election Commission.
In order to save the nation’s time and energy there is a need to introduce reforms to the electoral process. Hurling rigging allegations at winning parties is an unfortunate tradition of our electoral process. While we cannot possibly mute everybody after elections, some press conferences or minor agitations by party supporters should be tolerated as a measure to abate the adrenaline rush. However, premeditated and organised agitations that disrupt people’s daily lives should be regarded as an undesired act and dealt with as such. In addition to the reform process, there is another dimension to this issue – media coverage. A professional code of conduct is imperative for an orderly and balanced media coverage that should not be seen as tilting in favour of some group at the expense of others.
Bahadar Ali Khan
Toronto
Canada