Democracy is one of the forms of governance in which people participate equally to represent their leaders. This form of government is prevalent in all developed countries and has been evolving in many developing countries as well. Many political scientists say that it is the best form of governance among all other forms of governance. Moreover, the key components of a democracy are the inviolability of the constitution, sovereignty of parliament, supremacy of civilian rule, rule of law, protection of fundamental rights, fair, free and transparent elections, ruthless accountability, free media, independent judiciary and highly powered and impartial election commission.
Sadly, our democratic system has always lingered and has never enjoyed the real spirit of democracy. Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), during 2013 elections, recommended the solution of the problems people have been facing since the existence of state. The ECP recommended an option on ballet-paper for those who do not want to cast their votes to the contesting candidates for election in their constituency. The option is recommended to be written as “None of the above” (NOTA).This is the only way for the ECP to judge about about the voters who are not willing to cast their votes. This could be a good option to alter the fundamentalist and radical concept of politics and governance. Such an option in paper can play the role of a referendum against the illegal usage of vote.
It developed a question as to why ECP has chosen the NOTA in ballet paper? One would find three reasons behind it; first, the ratio of turn-out would increase and all the people would cast their votes. Second, the introduction of NOTA urges people vote trustworthy candidates. Third, the ratio of fake voting will almost come to an end. It is seen that, in absence of many voters, fake votes have been casted in Pakistan.However,
the NOTA is not new option as suggested, It has been introduced in many countries of world, such as; Colombia, Ukraine, Brazil, Finland, Spain, Chili, France, Belgium, USA, Bangladesh and India.
Initially it faced extreme denial and opposition in India from politicians, but later the Supreme Court took the case on serious accounts and suggested Election Commission to put the extra option of NOTA in Ballet-papers. As a consequence, in 2014 election 60, 00000 people in India selected NOTA as their ultimate option showing a trust deficit in the successive governments.
In addition to these, a draft by ECP was sent to the president for assent. Unluckily, no one is yet aware about the whereabouts of the sent draft whether it is acceptable or it may have negative effects over the ruling class who has been enjoying the ministries for years. The draft even has not been center of discussion in any forum because the people in parliament never courage to motivate such a valid step. They secretly decided not to accept NOTA in election process. On the other hand, ECP also took it as guilt and did not bring it to public eyes nor the Supreme Court was told about it. This suggestion of ECP shows that it is following the obligations of politics.
Unfortunately, Pakistan has failed to adopt such a systematic way of voting in which people can elect the right person as their representative. If NOTA had been introduced in Pakistan, people would be able to use their votes rightly, then we could enjoy the fruit of strong democracy. The Election Commission of Pakistan has not been questioned by masses that why has it not brought the public issue to courts?
These all flaws in the democratic system of governance in Pakistan should be addressed promptly so that the country may enjoy the real democratic values.
The writer is a student of Political Science at University of Turbat.