Electoral justice

The local bodies elections in Islamabad have exposed one glaring anomaly – both the polling staff and voters show a general lack of trust in the electoral process. The main problem is the primitive methods being used in the process, such as an outdated voting system, the nomination of untrained and unwilling people as polling staff and the setting up of polling stations at insecure private and official buildings.

The polling staff is the most vulnerable part of the whole exercise. They face a hostile environment where they are at the mercy of political workers who often misbehave with them. We have a long way to go before we can ensure free, fair and transparent elections. It is necessary for the people to trust the election process and the authority supervising it. Only then will democracy work in this country. Otherwise, whatever is happening is an absolute waste of resources. Thus, electoral justice demands that the Election Commission should be given greater authority, more manpower and increased funding to attain the dream of free, fair and transparent elections.

Hashim Abro

Islamabad