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1. I support greater transparency in senate elections and moving towards an open ballot
But the Govt has made a complete mess of an otherwise laudable objective through its hasty, desperate, confused and undemocratic conduct to bring about such reform
But the Govt has made a complete mess of an otherwise laudable objective through its hasty, desperate, confused and undemocratic conduct to bring about such reform
2. Planning, consultation and debate are required before passing any law, but are all the more necessary for reform as fundamental as this
Why did the process to bring about this change not start earlier? Why did Govt wait just weeks before senate elections are due?
Why did the process to bring about this change not start earlier? Why did Govt wait just weeks before senate elections are due?
3. Govt strategy at achieving desired objective is also laughable
Simultaneously tabling bills for constitutional amendment + seeking SC’s advisory opinion on whether amending Elections Act is sufficient shows Govt’s legal position on the issue is contradictory and confused
Simultaneously tabling bills for constitutional amendment + seeking SC’s advisory opinion on whether amending Elections Act is sufficient shows Govt’s legal position on the issue is contradictory and confused
4. After Govt failed to get Opp. support for const. amendment, it should’ve waited for SC advisory opinion
Promulgating an ordinance in advance and making it conditional on favourable opinion by SC shows desperation, and troublingly, makes SC’s forthcoming opinion controversial
Promulgating an ordinance in advance and making it conditional on favourable opinion by SC shows desperation, and troublingly, makes SC’s forthcoming opinion controversial
5. Even if Govt believes only a change in Elections Act is required to make ballot open, doing so through an ordinance is undemocratic + contrary to Art 89, which allows ordinances only in exceptional circumstances where immediate action is necessary and parliament not in session
6. Provisions of ordinance also raise many questions
Eg, why make ballot completely open when allowing party heads to see ballot papers would’ve achieved similar result?
What does “open and identifiable” ballot mean?
What consequences would voting against party line entail?
Eg, why make ballot completely open when allowing party heads to see ballot papers would’ve achieved similar result?
What does “open and identifiable” ballot mean?
What consequences would voting against party line entail?
7. In short, this is an opportunity lost for PTI to make lasting contribution to strengthening democracy in PK
As for opposition, haven’t heard a single cogent reason for why they are resisting reform
Waiting for optimal time for change means change will likely never happen
As for opposition, haven’t heard a single cogent reason for why they are resisting reform
Waiting for optimal time for change means change will likely never happen
