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Political participation
Polls-related consultations abounded.
progress is if it works like a single organism in which every individual has a
voice and is part of the political process. Societies where the political elite
severs its ties with the individual cease to function in a democratic manner and
people resort to violence in a bid to be heard. Pakistan is on the verge of
becoming just such a society.
Politically motivated violence was rampant in the country, especially in
Karachi and the conflict-hit regions, Balochistan, FATA and parts of Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa, of the country in 2012. Political parties kept their militant wings
to maintain control.
The year under review also held significance since it was the last year for
the government until the general elections were held in early 2013. The year
saw numerous haphazard intra-party elections taking place which were
considered far from democratic. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)
also came into motion and was responsible for publishing the voters list as
well as for taking some important measures to ensure free and fair elections.
The Election Commission
Even though doubts had been raised by some political groups concerning
the impartiality of the ECP, it was generally agreed that the appointment of the
ECP chief and the four members was not politically motivated, not a small feat
in Pakistan. In July, the representatives of all the major political parties reached
a consensus on Justice (r) Fakharuddin G Ebrahim as the Chief Election
Commissioner.
It was noted that all the members of the ECP were males which suggested
that perhaps no woman in the country was competent enough to join the ECP
as a member. The HRCP noted this issue and strongly advocated the need for
Pakistan to hold next elections under supervis