In Pakistan, the notion of democracy is often a facade, overshadowed by oligarchic control and manipulation. The recent elections on February 8, 2024, were marred by irregularities, including late opening of polling stations and deliberate communication disruptions to suppress voter turnout.
Despite these obstacles, voter participation surged, indicating a yearning for genuine democratic representation. However, political targeting and arrests leading up to the elections cast a shadow over the process.
Technically, Pakistan follows a parliamentary system, with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) overseeing elections using paper ballots. The proposed introduction of E-machines in 2018, aimed at modernizing the process, was revoked by subsequent governments for their own political gains.
This erosion of democracy has grave consequences for Pakistan, exacerbating socio-economic disparities and pushing the country towards the brink of civil unrest. Recent attempts to manipulate election results for political gain threaten to destabilize the nation further.
As Pakistan faces this critical juncture, it’s essential to heed the words of our founding father, Quaid-e-Azam, emphasizing the duty of public servants to uphold the integrity of the nation. Genuine democracy, not manipulation, is the path forward for a prosperous and stable Pakistan.
By Muhammad Umar Shabbir
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