Former Senator Farhatullah Babar expressed reservations about the possibility of the general elections occurring in the final week of January 2024, emphasizing its likelihood but not certainty.
A prominent member of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Babar strongly advocated for ending the military establishment’s involvement in political and electoral matters.
He reiterated these sentiments during a consultative session organized by the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT) in Islamabad, focusing on ensuring free and fair general elections.
The session brought together a diverse group of experts and stakeholders, including legal scholars, politicians, civil society members, media representatives, and academics.
The gathering addressed challenges and potential solutions related to democratic elections in Pakistan.
In his role as the president of the PPP’s human rights cell, Babar proposed exploring compulsory voting and introducing a ‘None of the Above’ (NOTA) option to enhance the democratic process.
He stressed the need for an independent investigation into the May 9 incidents, the failures of the Result Transmission System (RTS), and the ongoing necessity for electoral reforms.
Babar also highlighted concerns related to minority participation and the manipulation of election results through social media, particularly by state institutions.
He called for a serious discussion on separating the voting list from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) database, citing NADRA’s security-driven data and citizens’ requests for Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs).
Meanwhile, Shoaib Shaheen from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) addressed pressing issues related to missing persons and the party’s political workers, underscoring the diminishing trust in the system.
He noted that heightened political polarization had increased violence and emphasized the importance of granting overseas Pakistanis the right to vote in the upcoming election.
Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, a former federal minister from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), emphasized that the election should not face further delays.
He praised the parliament’s electoral reforms committee for its commendable recommendations and urged continued progress in the electoral reform process.
Dr. Chaudhry also highlighted persistent issues, including election expenses, calling on individuals to fulfill their roles and responsibilities.
