CERTAIN aspects of electioneering in Pakistan have retained colonial-era features that many would say are out of sync with the modern age’s staggering social changes wrought by superior technology. Large public rallies, for instance, were a most effective way of political mobilisation at a time when the literacy rate was shockingly low and modern means of communication were not what they are in this day and age. Today, Pakistan’s electronic media has become perhaps the most important tool of mass communication and influencing thought — far more than the rallies of yesteryear. And yet, it is possible to dispute the proposed blanket ban on rallies contained in the draft code of conduct for the 2018 elections prepared by the Election Commission of Pakistan. True, for many the proposal might come as a relief as such mass gatherings are often associated with, and do cause, inconvenience to the public. However, public rallies are very much a part of the robust South Asian electoral culture and should not be dispensed with, although restrictions on their locations might be considered. In any case, corner meetings are more popular among candidates now.

In the same vein, the ECP’s proposal to prohibit many other activities that appear legitimate appears odd. Why should, for instance, there be a ban on advertisements on electronic media and on banners, posters and flyers? The electronic media is a most potent medium for political parties to convey their achievements and future goals to voters. The ban on graffiti makes sense; it is an eyesore and disfigures buildings and infrastructure. But banners, posters and flyers do not fall in this category and must be considered a legitimate way of mass contact. Most bizarre is the ECP’s suggestion that only state media should be utilised for campaigning, with Pemra, the electronic media regulator, allotting equal airtime to all contestants. That the ruling parties shouldn’t misuse official machinery and state-owned media goes without saying, but the move to keep private radio and TV channels away is not logical. Instead, the ECP should incorporate a very useful clause in the Philippines’ electioneering code whose Section 81 makes it unlawful for any foreigner to aid a party or candidate “directly or indirectly” in “any manner”, or make financial contributions. There is plenty of time for all political parties to study the code and cooperate with the ECP to help develop a sophisticated electoral culture.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2016