THE road to electoral reform in Pakistan is a long and bumpy one, yet the first steps need to be taken now to reach the goal of more transparent and error-free polls in 2018. In this regard, it is welcome to note that both the government and its allies as well as opposition parties have named their members for the proposed special parliamentary committee on electoral reforms. The names include some veteran lawmakers from both houses of parliament. Ever since the results of last year’s general elections were announced, there has been much talk of the need for electoral reforms, with both political parties and electoral watchdogs pointing out irregularities in the process. While we believe the 2013 polls were largely free and fair, there is nevertheless room for improvement. And the ideal forum to initiate the process of reform is parliament.

It is also welcome that the PTI, one of the loudest voices for electoral reforms, has nominated members to the committee, which was proposed by the prime minister. Earlier, there was some confusion whether or not Imran Khan’s party would be part of the process. The committee is the perfect forum for the PTI and all other political forces to discuss, debate and finalise implementable proposals that can lead to meaningful electoral reforms. Regarding the PTI’s plan to march on Islamabad next month in pursuance of the reform agenda, we hope the party reconsiders this option and works within parliament to press for change. As for the party’s demand for a recount in four constituencies, this should be considered without delay so that the controversy is settled and all parties can concentrate on working on the reform agenda within parliament. The initial interest shown in the committee by political forces should also take the wind out of the sails of those elements trying to use controversies surrounding the 2013 general polls to push for extra-constitutional adventurism. If reform is really what these forces are interested in, they should give their proposals to the committee rather than talking about half-baked ‘revolutions’.

Much needs to be done to achieve meaningful electoral reform; we should not be pleased simply with the proposal of names for the committee. In fact, the real hard work will begin once the committee is finalised and starts debating its agenda. We must be under no illusion that the process will be an easy undertaking. After all, political forces have been unable to agree to a permanent chief election commissioner ever since Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim resigned from the post last year. It is worrying that three acting CECs have occupied the slot since it fell vacant. The political parties must address this and many other pressing issues through the committee, and work must start now if the target of achieving electoral reforms is to be met by 2018.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2014