The electioneering process in a country like Pakistan has always served windows of opportunity to the corrupt
KARACHI: The electoral system is an evolutionary process that has evolved time and again in line with ground realities occurring in that period. The electioneering process in a country like Pakistan has always served windows of opportunity to the corrupt who have been in power for years on end. This has given impetus to never-ending game of musical chairs in the political arena. However, the institution tasked with conducting the election in the country is autonomous yet it is not immune from political influence. Due to the monopoly of a handful of political parties, the entrance for an ordinary newcomer is beyond the bounds of possibility. And the absence of a level playing field, in this game, has kept the common folk at bay. This is why voter turnout remains low. The election process is built in a way as if only commoners are born to vote and affluent to rule. The whole process is tilted in favour of the elite.
In a democratic system, people delegate authority to a representative on their behalf to form a government or make legislation. It is known as delegative or liquid democracy. This is basically a trust voter imposes on the representative. But here it is quite otherwise. Dejure voter is an authority but de facto is subservient to delegates.
Unless basic reforms are introduced, ranging from scrutineering to the election the results will fail to express the true public desire.
Ashfak Siyal
Published in The Express Tribune, June 14th, 2018.
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