PML (N) President and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif has decided to convene an All Parties Conference (APC) on electoral reforms.
In this regard he also held telephone conversation with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and JUI (F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
Given the fact that almost two years are left in next general election, it is heartening to see that opposition parties have shown seriousness on this important matter and also invited various organisations monitoring the elections in order to get their inputs on election reforms, which is need of the hour to ensure political stability in the country. After every election, there is hue and cry of rigging on part of losing parties.
For how long this practice will continue and in this regard change has to be brought by political parties themselves.
They must sit together and demonstrate sincerity to fulfil this important job. The use of electronic voting machines and right of vote to overseas Pakistanis, who are contributing immensely to country’s economy through their remittances, should be thoroughly discussed.
The PTI government should invite the opposition for talks on meaningful electoral reforms that are finally approved by Parliament.
Government and opposition should not make it an issue of ego as both are working for a national cause of achieving ultimate goal of free and fair elections.
Consensus legislation from Parliament is the way forward that will also send a positive message to the people about seriousness of political parties to bring improvement in the election process.
