PML-N distances itself from the 2002 local govt system; PTI plans a new system of village governance.
Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz calls for a decentralization of governance, whereas Pakistan Peoples Party readdresses the 18th amendment to support local governments.
The Express Tribune examines manifestos of mainstream political parties to see how they support the local government and the devolution of powers in the next five years.
PML-N
PML-N advocates consolidating democratic institutions and traditions both at the federal and the provincial level. This imperative of democratic governance, they say, can be attained through a rigorous process of decentralizing powers.
Their aim is to devolve political, administrative and financial powers to elected representatives at district and lower levels as stipulated under Article 140-A of the Constitution. PML-N pledges to hold local government elections within six months of the general elections. The party wishes to give representation to women, peasants, workers, technocrats, minorities and, for the very first time, the youth in local bodies.
The manifesto justifies the delay in establishing a system of local governance by putting the blame on military dictators. They say the system has not been able to evolve soundly because under military rule, a new system of local bodies was introduced and therefore could not survive the military to civilian government transition. Thereby, PML-N hopes to draft new laws that will replace the 2002 local government system.
PPP
In Pakistan Peoples Party’s manifesto, the responsibility of holding local elections rests with the Election Commission of Pakistan.
The party reiterates their resolve to abide by the eighteenth amendment in their manifesto, saying under their rule, each province will establish a system of local governance, which will devolve political, administrative and financial responsibility to the elected representatives.
In its manifesto, PPP claims to have devolved power to the grassroots level in ‘real terms’.
“Governance cannot be effective unless it is responsive to the people, and local government is essential for responding quickly and efficiently to the immediate and basic needs of the population,” the party says, highlighting the importance of local bodies.
PTI
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has crafted a bottom-up system of governance, where rural governance begins with the village.
Each village, as the manifesto states, will be governed by an empowered village council for which elections will be held on the basis of Open Free List System, under which candidates do not need to contest against each other.
PTI has the expertise of holding such elections, as their intra-party polls also followed the Open Free List System.
Village councils will be given access to self-generated funds besides provision to recurring and development funds.
‘Oversight committees’ comprising village council members will be created to oversee the functioning of health units, schools, police stations, revenue, irrigation and agriculture departments.
In cities and towns, the municipality and the city government will be responsible for ensuring smooth governance. These bodies will raise revenue independently for city development.
MQM
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement, when announcing their manifesto, placed most emphasis on local body systems of governance.
In their manifesto, the party has pledged to empower the Election Commission of Pakistan, as it will ensure neutral and impartial local government elections.
Under the devolution of powers, MQM wants to place the police under the city and district government.
ANP
The Awami National Party prioritises holding local body elections upon assuming power. Their manifesto states that for strengthening democratic process and improving access and quality of services to the people at their doorsteps, local governance is an absolute necessity.
Under its local government system, the party eyes an increase in seats for women.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 6th, 2013.
COMMENTS (8)
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Prior to Oct 30th 2011, PML-N had no on-going projects of developments and never cared about youth. But suddenly, after that date, their pending projects of developments and talk of youth became their agenda and first priority?
It's not the bad thing they have been put on their toes by PTI's popularity, however, it depicts the fact that PML-N party has no inner intention to bring change on it's own. Laptop schemes and Metro Bus projects are desperate efforts to satisfy their vote bank just enough so they can continue with their incompetent governance and failed policies.
On the other hand, PPP is not a party for people or Pakistan. It's a cancer to political system. After Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazair Bhutto, this party has lost everything (vision, focus or compassion) and soon they will lose their die-hard Jiyalas too in coming years.
If democracy doesn't derail, if Supreme Court stays independent, if Election Commissions continue to gain more independence and competence, if media continues to enjoy their freedom and if establishment perpetuate their support for democracy, I can see a stronger and better Pakistan in coming years.
Local bodies election. No way for PML(N) and PPP. If it is it would be on their dead body.
Looks like another PMLN promise based on PTI's manifesto. No original ideas from the Sharifs yet again?? I think PTI should be happy; they are seeing their dreams realised, albeit indirectly!
Actions speak louder than words. PPP, N-League and ANP had 5 years and they didn't do anything.
One can't expect any of these political parties to work for LG system, each one of these was in power in one province or the other and they actually fought not to implement LG. Its only PTI which has "WILL", skilled team and masses' support to carry on with this agenda
If this was true than why was only MQM fighting for local body system and excluding PTI the rest of the parties were in power and didnt do nothing for local body system in 5 years, how can we trust if they come to power again that they will do something now.
How could PMLn establish this root system which they did not in last 5 years, after all it was under jurisdiction of Provinces. I think only PTI can establish such system for which they have already developed a complete system along with necessary details and has also provided a dead line of holding local govt elections within 90 days.