On June 21, 2008, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and IFES successfully hosted the National Stakeholder Workshop on Electoral Reform in Pakistan.  The event elicited direct feedback and recommendations from political parties and civil society organizations involved in electoral reform. This was the first time the ECP directly and collectively engaged stakeholders; a significant step forward for the ECP.

The morning session focused on political parties and the afternoon focused on civil society organizations (CSOs). Nine political parties, including all major parties, were represented by senior officials. Eight CSOs were also represented.  The ECP Secretary, two Joint Secretaries and all four Provincial Election Commissions (PECs) were present. Each political party and CSO had 15 minutes to present recommendations to the ECP. The ECP listened intently, while offering few comments.

ECP Secretary Kanwar Muhammad Dilshad noted, “We have gathered here to achieve our common goal of making our national institutions stronger, thus paving the way for a true democratic culture in the country.” Briefly referring to the newly-established Electoral Reforms Committee, constituted to study and recommend amendments to electoral laws and related policies, he stated the Committee welcomes input from political parties and CSOs. He also stated, “by working together for the cause of democracy, I am confident that we will be able to achieve the desired goal in the near future.” 

Key reform recommendations centered on:

·         Appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner

·         Independence of the Election Commission of Pakistan

·         Independence of the Judiciary

·         Voter registration (process, ID card requirements, improving the register, NADRA-ECP collaboration)

·         Election Tribunals (exceeding statutory period for resolving petitions)

·         Campaign financing

·         Interference of security agencies in the electoral process

·         Code of conduct for political parties

·         Voter education

·         Vote rigging

·         Polling schemes

·         Vote counting procedures / transparency

·         Management & publication of election results

·         Media bias

·         Candidates’ running in multiple constituencies

Michael Hryshchyshyn, Director of the USAID-Pakistan Office of Democracy and Governance and Sanja Vukotic-Hodzic, USAID Project Specialist/ Deputy Contracting-Agreement Officer also attended the event. Mr.  Hryshchyshyn encouraged the ECP to maintain the good momentum borne from the one-day workshop.  The ECP agreed to hold a similar event in the near future.

The ECP has the constitutional mandate to plan, prepare and administer elections in Pakistan. Accordingly, it is essential the ECP drive the reform agenda. To embark upon a successful reform process the ECP must actively seek input, advice and consultations with other key stakeholders, such as responsible sub-committees in the National Assembly and Senate, political parties, civil society and the electorate at large.