Positive steps

In a development that is highly relevant given our current situation, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), citing the code of conduct for the polls, has warned that it will disqualify politicians who seek votes on the basis of religion, sect, caste or ethnicity. This, of course, is a not infrequent occurrence, and the ECP’s move to crack down on it must be warmly welcomed. We certainly do not need politicking on the basis of these factors, and the bar on it comes under Clause 19 of the 46-clause code of conduct for polls.



The move could also help divert attention towards relevant political issues and encourage voters to focus on policies rather than the sect, caste or ethnicity of individual candidates. The task will not be easy, with returning officers in their capacity as magistrates, asked to enforce it — but the ECP announcement certainly sets the right tone and leads to hope for change. The right thing has been done.

In another area, too, the Commission has made clear its intention to conduct the election as fairly as possible, with a level field of play for all. Citing another clause in the code, it has warned candidates that they cannot transport voters, beyond their immediate family, to polling stations. This condition, intended to protect the interests of smaller parties, had also been laid down in a verdict delivered by the Supreme Court last summer, while hearing a petition stating that those who lacked huge resources should also be able to contest polls.

The sight of voters being driven in to polling stations in trucks, coaches and fleets of vans is, of course, one with which we are familiar. We must hope the ECP will succeed in enforcing its code, thereby making the election a more equitable one. The firm intentions it has laid out, especially with respect to the ethnicity and sectarian factors, are hugely significant and may, at least, help deter candidates from using these means in an attempt to collect votes by playing on these inconsequential factors rather than issues which can make a real difference in the lives of people.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 16^th, 2013.