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The challenges of election day
The complaints of the political parties need to be seriously investigated.
Ahmed Bilal Mehboob
A test for election observers
International observers seldom pass judgement on the integrity of an election.
Polls under international scrutiny
The practice is common in democracies which have yet to establish the credibility of their institutions.
Evolution of caretakers
An overhaul of constitutional provisions relating to caretaker set-ups was undertaken by the 18th Amendment.
Do we really need caretakers?
Why can’t we allow the elected government to continue during the poll period in caretaker mode?
Prospects of a fair election
Given our past poll history, will Pakistan be able to prevent interference in the next general election?
Eight years on
No one can think of undoing the 18th Amendment but an honest review is in order.
Financing poll campaigns
Currently, we have only nine women members elected on general seats in the National Assembly.
Money and politics
A major question left unaddressed in the Elections Act pertains to the limit on poll spending.
Poll transparency reversed
A basic requirement of a democratic system is transparency regarding those seeking public office.
The march of democracy
Despite the setbacks, there are many signs of a maturing democratic order.
A gulf that must be bridged
The real question is how to address the worsening civil-military relations.
Critical times for parliament
There are several parliamentary committees in the provinces which hardly ever meet in their five-year term.
Legislators’ vanishing act
The voters should start questioning their MPs about their attendance record.
Elusive consensus
The key disagreement seems to be over the scope of the proposed accountability law.
Poll law confusion
The election law became controversial right away.
Parliament & accountability
The legislators are meant to play the most important role in strengthening accountability.
Episode or system?
Accountability has a chequered history in Pakistan.
Law to regulate budget
The executive’s unlimited powers to alter the budget after it is passed must be curtailed.
Voting from abroad
The challenges of out-of-country voting are formidable in the case of a country as large as Pakistan.