The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), without quoting the name of President Arif Alvi, has informed the nation that efforts were underway by a high official to make the electoral process doubtful as the electoral watchdog was committed to ensuring the transparency and fairness of the forthcoming election. Recently, President Arif Alvi sent a letter to the caretaker PM, raising the PTI’s concerns regarding the erosion of fundamental rights and a level playing field for all political parties in the run-up to the upcoming general elections. Meanwhile, the Presidency also issued a statement urging the caretaker government to make efforts as a neutral entity to provide a level playing field for all political parties.
A saga of a level playing field has been resonating in recent days from across the political spectrum ahead of nationwide polls in the country. The complaints of no provision of a level playing field have been raised by the majority of political groups including the PPP, the PTI, ANP as well as MQM-P despite the ECP having issued the electoral code and guidelines for all political groups to observe those guidelines for smooth, transparent and fair run of the election. Realistically, a level playing field in the electoral process is crucial for ensuring fairness, transparency, and the integrity of democratic elections. Hence, the provision of an equal opportunity to all political parties and candidates to compete for votes, regardless of their resources or political influence is of utmost importance. It is the fundamental duty of the ECP to provide a conducive environment for all political groups to launch their campaign in a free, fair and unrestricted manner within the jurisdiction/limits set the authority. The caretaker government has to assist the ECP and ensure the 100% implementation of the orders of the election authority until the full transition of the government.
Historically, a three-member team of Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf (PTI) met the Chief Election Commissioner a few days ago and handed him a 24-point Charter of Demands (CoD) comprising the party’s demands which the party leadership considers necessary for transparency and level playing. As said, the CEC assured the PTI team of consideration of those points. It is also pertinent to mention that the caretaker PM already declared that all registered political parties including the PTI are allowed and free to contest election and there is no bar on any political group in this regard. After having done all that, the politically motivated move of Dr Alvi really neither matches his personality nor suits the dignity and prestige of his office. Historically, the President and governors are non-political positions in the country’s system but political appointments have always earned disgrace and travesty to those prestigious offices throughout the past. If our leaders will not align their conduct with the decorum of their public offices it would tarnish their image and abuse their office in the long run.
