DEMOCRACY is considered the most desirable kind of government in which the real power is vested in the hands of the people. They elect their representatives who should govern in the light of citizens’ aspirations.

As in a democratic framework, elections are held in periodic cycles; people hold their chosen representatives accountable by voting them out if they fail to fulfil their expectations. A country’s democratic foundations are strengthened when a large number of people participate in elections to choose their representatives.

However, different surveys indicate that people show up when they have faith in the transparency of the election process, and when they know thay have the liberty to make an informed choice free of external influences.

Failure to hold free and transparent elections does everything to the contrary. This is reflected in low election-day turnout. The relevant authorities in Pakistan would do well to ensure that all elections are held in a manner that is free, transparent and acceptable to all stakeholders.

Failure to ensure electoral trasparency will oly end up further dividing our society, which will be unfortunate, especially at a time when it needs unity in the face of several and mounting challenges.

Asad Aziz
Khushab

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2022