ECP-PTI discord

PTI has the right to plead its case, it should be careful of its verbatim while dealing with a constitutional organ

The ongoing row between the PTI and the ECP is quite unnerving, and seems to be counter-productive. Former PM Imran Khan has now himself donned the mantle to take on the electoral watchdog, and publicly called for the resignation of chief election commissioner. The ECP, too, has dug its heels and says that the allegations of partiality on the constitutional body are unwarranted, and do not carry any substance. But the fissures are on the rise as the PTI has also staged countrywide demonstrations outside the ECP offices. The point of contention between the two sides is perceptional: the PTI believes that many of the commission’s decisions were biased and apparently politically influenced, whereas the ECP categorically states that they decide in unanimity, and provisions of law are taken care of.

To compound the situation, the PTI is in the dock and the ECP is seized with the case of foreign funding to the party. This has taken quite a toll, and the odds are evident. The PTI says its funding avenues should not be probed in isolation, and other political parties must also come under the scanner. The insistence on the part of ECP to hear the case in solitude, and that too with a definite timeline, has led to serious reservations. Moreover, the prevailing political crisscross has brought the ECP and PTI in direct confrontation, as the latter wants the commission to instantly decide on disqualification of defected legislators. The ECP’s snail space movement has led to a blame-game of exhibiting prejudice, and is unnecessarily polarising an already jaundiced society. Last but not least is the unfinished business of constituencies’ delimitations, which must be put to rest at the earliest.

Though the PTI has the right to plead its case and seek lawful remedies, it should be careful of its verbatim while dealing with a constitutional organ. Attempts to malign it in the political paradigm will serve no purpose. Likewise, the ECP should come above board and address the concerns of PTI in a holistic manner. This is indispensable to not only uphold the image of ECP as an impartial body but also to negate accusations of so-called political leaning. A powerful and non-partisan Election Commission is a must for mushrooming genuine representative rule.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 2^nd, 2022.

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