PML-N and PPP Collaborate on Electoral Reform Efforts

Pakistan’s political landscape is witnessing a significant development as two major parties, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), are pooling their resources to overhaul the country’s electoral system. A coordination committee comprising members from both parties has been formed to spearhead efforts aimed at addressing the deficiencies prevalent in Pakistan’s electoral process.

The primary focus of this collaboration is to tackle the inadequacies within the supervisory framework governing elections. Both the PML-N and PPP have initiated the drafting of legislation geared towards electoral reforms. One of the central proposals under consideration involves the potential abolition of caretaker setups, a move that would see the incumbent government retaining its authority until new elections are conducted.

This proposal draws inspiration from electoral systems observed in neighboring countries like India and Bangladesh, where the Prime Minister assumes responsibility for overseeing the electoral process. By adopting a similar approach, Pakistan aims to streamline its electoral procedures and enhance transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

Under the envisioned reforms, the Prime Minister would assume direct oversight of general elections, a departure from the existing setup. This model not only aligns with international best practices but also reflects a concerted effort by the PML-N and PPP to introduce systemic changes aimed at strengthening democratic principles in Pakistan.

Both parties have reiterated their commitment to engaging with other political stakeholders to garner broader consensus on the proposed reforms. By fostering dialogue and cooperation across party lines, the PML-N and PPP seek to ensure that the reform agenda reflects the collective aspirations and interests of the Pakistani electorate.

As Pakistan embarks on this journey towards electoral reform, the collaboration between the PML-N and PPP underscores a shared commitment to fostering democratic values and principles. Through concerted efforts and inclusive dialogue, Pakistan aims to establish a more robust and resilient electoral framework that upholds the integrity and fairness of its democratic processes.