Inefficient tribunals

11% of petitions filed post-February elections resolved, eroding public trust and threatening Pakistan's democracy.

The Free and Fair Election Network (Fafen) has revealed that the election tribunals established after the February 8 general polls have addressed only about 11 per cent of the petitions submitted to them. These tribunals have failed to meet their legal obligation to dispose of petitions within 180 days, a timeline crucial for ensuring timely justice in electoral disputes. With only 40 out of 334 petitions settled by October 10, the staggering backlog reflects not only inefficiency but also a potential undermining of public trust in democratic institutions. When electoral grievances linger unresolved, the ramifications are significant. First and foremost, this delay erodes public confidence in the electoral system. Citizens expect timely resolution of disputes, believing their votes matter and their voices will be heard. Prolonged uncertainties create an atmosphere of distrust, leading many to question the legitimacy of the electoral outcomes and, by extension, the government formed.

Moreover, these delays can have a negative effect on voter participation in future elections. If citizens perceive the system as flawed or biased, they may disengage from the political process altogether. This disengagement can result in lower voter turnout, which further skews the democratic process and may enable corrupt practices to flourish unchecked. Additionally, the backlog in tribunals raises questions about the capacity and resources of these institutions. The failure to process cases in a timely manner suggests a need for reforms to improve efficiency, whether through increasing staffing, streamlining procedures or utilising technology. The inability of election tribunals in Pakistan to meet their deadlines not only hampers justice but also poses a threat to the very foundations of democracy. The government and electoral authorities must take immediate action to address these shortcomings, restore public trust and ensure that the electoral process remains a viable avenue for citizens to express their will.