Elections 2024 to bring hope for Pakistan’s democracy: PILDAT

Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT) Tuesday highlighted structural problems within Pakistan’s political system in a report analyzing the current state of democracy and its prospects in 2023.

The report carried an analysis of the functioning of all three organs of the state which are crucial for democratic governance of the masses within a political system.

It claimed that towards the end of 2023, democracy faced severe challenges, however, the announcement of elections in 2024 brings positive strides in democracy.

PILDAT recognized this move as a potential avenue for democratic enhancement in Pakistan.

The report also pointed towards the interference in democracy by former Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

The NGO advised to get rid of the so-called hybrid system and transfer the powers to active democracy. It lamented that popular political leadership and parties continued to suffer from a crisis of confidence.

It expressed concern that popular political figures and parties continue to grapple with a crisis of continuous distrust.

According to the report, instead of focusing on popular policies, political leaders are engrossed in maintaining a GHQ-centric approach, diverting attention from public concerns.

The PILDAT held that the military's role remains undiminished contrary to expectations, and the delay in elections prolongs the existence of caretaker governments.

 The report indicated that the upcoming 2024 elections should emulate the transparency witnessed in the 2018 elections.

PILDAT underscored that the Senate, National, and Provincial Assemblies continued to make rubber stamp policies instead of solving public problems.

 The Election Commission, under intense pressure throughout the entire process, played a crucial role, the report said, adding that Chief Justice Faez Isa successfully advocated for transparency by announcing the schedule for the 12th General Elections.

The report urged a shift from the rubber-stamp policies of the legislative bodies and highlighted the need for comprehensive electoral reforms to fortify Pakistan's democracy.

It also discussed different political events of 2022 including the vote of no-confidence motion in the National Assembly which led to ouster former prime minister Imran Khan and election for the post of chief minster Punjab, and subsequent decisions of the courts.

The report lauded the role of the Election Commission of Pakistan in the backdrop of recent political events and also highlighted role of strong local government system.

“PILDAT believes and has proposed that Pakistan requires Constitutional Amendment defining scope, role, responsibility and tenure of LG system.

Local Governments are just as important a tier as National and Provincial Governments whose domain, term, role and subjects are defined in the Constitution in detail, (however), same clarity is required in the constitution to define LGs,” said the report.