The provincial and local governments have not only questioned the accuracy of the figures but also demanded a recount
MULTAN: With the release of the census results, numerous discrepancies have been pointed out by the political parties in Sindh. The provincial and local governments have not only questioned the accuracy of the figures but also demanded a recount and a post-census survey for 1% of blocks in the province. Since the last census was conducted 19 years ago, demographical change by drastic margins is obvious. Procedural shortcomings during the exercise cannot be justified on the pretext of the time gap of almost two decades. Yet the demands of these political parties will prolong the already delayed process and push the general elections for 2018 even further. And with the Election Commission of Pakistan not being given enough time for delimitation of constituencies the authenticity of the whole electoral process will be in question.
Agreeing upon the current results might be too big of a deal for political parties, with the possibility to change the whole election process from voters’ registration to the possible outcomes for the contestants. Regardless of the aforementioned, census discrepancies must not push forward the upcoming elections and a smooth timely democratic transfer of power.
To devise a strategy agreeable to all, the federal government and the ruling party should address the concerns of the provincial governments and ensure fair allocation of the National Finance Commission award along with the delimitation of constituencies.
The census results would also help the government identify key economic and social issues, and the policy discourse for them. For instance, even if the results appear to lack accuracy they point out lower GDP figures and the dire need for population control, poverty reduction and elimination of other socioeconomic disparities.
Sadia Kamil
Published in The Express Tribune, August 31st, 2017.
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