An independent CEC needed

There are no two opinions that Pakistan is in need of an independent and an autonomous Election Commission. The erstwhile convention of meddling with the affairs of the ballot by engineering desired results has bred discontent, and the manipulation of February 8, 2024, mandate is a case in point. The ground reality is that a new Chief Election Commissioner's appointment is due, as the incumbent has completed his tenure after a contentious stint in office, as well as two other members from Sindh and Balochistan. An amendment in Article 215(1) through the controversial 26th amendment had enabled the retired officials to continue in office, leading to severe credibility issues for a constitutional body.

The appointment of CEC has always been a bone of contention in our political milieu. That is so because vested interests have tried to maneuver the outcome of a free and fair verdict, and this has obstructed naming of an impeccable person to the top job. This has led to the controversial outcome of elections, and a subsequent bizarre and pestering instability. Though the Constitution under Article 213(2A) and (2B) and Article 218(2)(b), ordains the PM, in consultation with the leader of the opposition, to recommend names for appointment to the high office of ECP, it has never been smooth sailing. Moreover, it has been a colluded affair, rendering the appointment and functioning of an independent CEC an uphill task.

Pakistan's governance fabric is knitted in parliamentary democracy and it warrants an independent election commissioner. The incumbent should be free from temptations and possess the mantle to stand for supremacy of law and the Constitution, and not dictation from the executive. The present Election Commission has been a sorry tale of being subservient to the executive, and had the audacity to defy dictums from the superior judiciary. The delay in holding elections, a biased attitude with the country's biggest political party and defiance to implement the SC's July 12, 2024 verdict is no less than a charge-sheet. It's time to move forward by naming a person of integrity as CEC, along with an empowered commission.