THE PTI government is pushing ahead with its version of electoral reforms that focus on the introduction of electronic voting machines and enfranchising overseas Pakistanis. In a latest move to shore up support for EVMs, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry had a model machine showcased in parliament so relevant stakeholders could be briefed on its working. The minister said parliamentarians would be better informed for a debate after getting familiar with the EVM and its benefits. The opposition has so far remained non-committal about the EVMs while the ECP has expressed reservations about their utility. However, there should be no rush to judgement. Now that the government is lending its full weight to these and other reforms, it will be useful if parliament can thoroughly debate the pros and cons of the EVMs. There is plenty that needs to be dissected in this regard. Across the world many countries have had varied experiences with their usage and all these should figure in an informed debate in parliament. The matter can also be debated threadbare in the committee constituted for electoral reforms. It may be important that hard data about the success and failure of EVMs across the world is made the basis of the discussion in the committee and experts or consultants are brought to provide indepth assessment of the EVMs. The ECP should also play its role and provide well-researched conclusions to parliamentarians so they can make an informed decision. It goes without saying that the public too must be educated in their intricacies.

Meanwhile, the matter of enfranchising overseas Pakistanis, while fairly persuasive conceptually, may be burdened with various complications. Some overseas citizens carry national identity cards, others have NICOPs and some other variations and these all require clarity in terms of their eligibility for voting. This aspect in itself could open up a Pandora’s box and generate controversies regarding the right to vote. It is therefore important that parliament weigh each and every proposal carefully and deliberate upon it without any timelines or deadlines. These reforms should be beyond partisan agendas. They are meant to strengthen the democratic system, not the electoral prospects of any one party. In this spirit therefore they need to be fleshed out in as much detail as possible before any decision can be made. The government should not make the mistake of rushing for a decision through a vote. Let parliament take the high road for once.

Published in Dawn, May 21st, 2021