Why Pakistan’s Democracy Needs Electoral Reform Now
Elections are the foundation of any democratic system. In Pakistan, democracy has faced various challenges, including military interventions and political manipulation. Electoral reforms are not just procedural updates but essential for ensuring national stability, legitimacy, and compliance with the Constitution. The implementation of electoral reforms demonstrates political maturity, enhances the credibility of the electoral process, and increases public trust in government institutions and democracy.
Historical Challenges to Pakistan’s Electoral System
Pakistan has experienced its elections being marred by reports of rigging, uneven playing fields, and accusations against institutions for not fulfilling their constitutional duties. Past general elections have led to civil unrest and military coups. Recently, the introduction of electronic voting machines (EVMs) sparked a major debate, which only increased public distrust.
Faulty voter rolls, delayed result transmission, and lack of transparency in campaign financing have eroded trust in the process. Although the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is constitutionally an independent body, it faces challenges due to resource shortages and political interference, which weaken its effectiveness.
Islamic Values and Electoral Integrity
In Islamic political thought, leadership is both a responsibility and a privilege. Justice, consultation (shura), and public trust establish the foundation for open and fair elections. To maintain these principles, power must not be misused, nor the public’s voice silenced—acts that go against both religious teachings and ethical values.
The reforms aim to address the current shortcomings of the electoral and voting processes, while also emphasizing moral responsibility among the public. Citizens should view voting as a duty that they carry out with sincerity, fairness, and a focus on achieving the greater good.
Current Reforms and Parliamentary Debates
In recent years, electoral reforms have focused on EVMs, bio-metric verification, and overseas Pakistanis voting. However, these proposed changes lacked bipartisan support because they were seen as political manoeuvring.
The Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reforms made changes to the 2017 Elections Act, including staff training, prompt results transmission, and voter facilitation. These proposals are at a standstill due to the current political gridlock.
Role of the Judiciary and Election Commission of Pakistan
In this context, the judiciary plays a very important role, which is also quite contentious. Courts have at times upheld the law, but at other times they have been accused of overreach. Meanwhile, the ECP must remain impartial and efficient in performing its duties—scrutinizing electoral candidates.
Justice and fairness, the core principles of our constitution and Islamic legal tradition, should also guide institutional change. Only when legal and electoral institutions are free from political influence does true democratic progress occur.
Citizen Participation
Electoral reforms will remain effective if citizens do not play an active role in upholding the egalitarian principles. In Pakistan, the voting turnout is low, especially among women, youth, and minority groups.Â
The problem of low turnout can be addressed by increasing public awareness. Starting campaigns in schools, mosques, and other local forums will be helpful for this purpose.
Islamic principles also highlight individual accountability in society. Voting, therefore, is not just a political right but a moral duty—one that every eligible citizen should perform with careful judgement. Supporting virtuous leadership is both a civic responsibility and an ethical duty.
Reforming Pakistan’s Electoral System: A Path to Integrity and Inclusion
Pakistan stands at a pivotal moment—an opportunity to overhaul its electoral system in line with both constitutional principles and Islamic ethics. Moving beyond short-term political gains is vital to rebuilding public trust, maintaining integrity, and encouraging widespread participation in democracy.
To achieve this transformation, we must:
- Strengthen ECP Independence: Guarantee fiscal and operational autonomy for the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
- Enforce Transparency: Implement robust electoral reforms to eliminate fraud and ensure accountability.
- Promote Civic Education: Embed ethical values and democratic awareness in public discourse.
- Ensure Inclusive Participation: Actively engage women, minorities, and overseas Pakistanis in the electoral process.
- Monitor Campaign Finance: Introduce real-time, publicly accessible tracking of political funding.
By pursuing these reforms with sincerity and wisdom, Pakistan can achieve democratic stability while demonstrating that modern governance and Islamic principles are not just compatible—they can coalesce to build a nation that is just, representative, and united.
