THE Government has taken an important decision with regard to reforming of the electoral system with the federal cabinet approving a proposal for abolition of secret ballot for Senate elections. The idea of voting through show of hands was reportedly rejected and the cast vote will contain information about both voter and the candidate to whom vote has been cast.
There have been a number of suggestions under consideration for reforming the entire electoral system and using an open ballot process for Senate elections, like Rajiya Sabha in India, was one of them. The proposal is aimed at curbing the loathsome practice of horse-trading the allegations of which have always been made after every election for the upper house including the last elections of 2018. It is widely alleged that votes are sold and bought and this is particularly so in the case of independent candidates and that is why in some cases the result of elections negated the party strength in a legislature whereas under the existing system the outcome should reflect the strength of various parties in National and Provincial Assemblies. There has also been demand for stricter actions against those who do not vote for their party-backed candidates, equating such voting with defection, which is an act of voting against party policies or changing loyalties. Article 63-A of Pakistan’s Constitution guards against defection but Senate elections are precluded from the ambit of this article on the pretext of allowing parliamentarians to vote according to their conscience. On the face of it, this is an ideal situation but decisions are not made on merit but on monetary considerations or under covert or overt pressure for voting for some particular candidates or parties. Under these circumstances, open ballot would, at least, expose those ditching their parties during electoral process. We would also suggest that instead of presenting an isolated proposal regarding Senate elections, the Government should take the opposition on board to discuss and prepare recommendations for reforming the entire electoral system especially in view of large-scale allegations levelled after every election, depriving the entire exercise of the due legitimacy and credibility. Merits and demerits of holding direct Senate elections may also be considered keeping in view the best global practices.
