AFTER much legal and political wrangling, a clear schedule for local government polls in Islamabad has finally been announced.
On Friday, the Election Commission of Pakistan said local polls in the federal capital will be held on Nov 30, along with announcing a schedule for the elections.
This is indeed a major achievement — should things proceed as planned — as it will be the first time the whole of Islamabad will elect local representatives. Indeed, it is strange that the capital of the federation, which hosts parliament — the most manifest symbol of the people’s will — should have had to wait so long for an elected third tier of government.
Of course, much of this is due to the disinterest in and mistrust towards elected local bodies that many amongst Pakistan’s political elite harbour, which has also reflected itself in unacceptable delays in local government elections at the provincial level. It is also a welcome development that the polls will be held on a party basis, as it makes little sense to keep political parties away from this essential part of the democratic process.
The need for elected and responsible local governments has been reiterated several times in these columns. Rule by fiat via the national and provincial system does not work smoothly at the local level, where people need receptive and approachable representatives to address their civic issues.
Speaking of Islamabad in particular, though it is a planned city, the capital has grown considerably over the decades and as a result its municipal requirements have increased accordingly.
As with all other cities and towns in Pakistan, the capital’s civic issues can best be addressed by elected representatives. It is hoped that when Islamabad’s local representatives are elected later this year and take office, they will have the requisite powers and motivation to address the people’s issues.
For this, it is essential that the capital’s bureaucracy and its elected local leadership are on the same page working for the betterment of the people.
Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2015
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