The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) plays a crucial role in ensuring fair elections in the country. As an independent, autonomous, permanent, and constitutionally established federal body, the ECP is responsible for organizing just, fair, and by the law, and guarding against corrupt practices. The ECP’s role in ensuring fair elections includes:
- Preparing electoral rolls: The ECP is responsible for preparing electoral rolls for elections to the National and Provincial Assemblies, revising them, and updating them as needed.
- Organizing and conducting elections: The ECP organizes and conducts elections to the Senate and local Government institutions, and fills casual vacancies in a House or a.
- Appointing Election Tribunals: The ECP appoints Election Tribunals to decide cases of disqualification of members of Parliament and Provincial Assemblies under Article 63(A).
- Deciding cases of disqualification: The ECP decides cases of disqualification of members of Parliament and Provincial Assemblies under Article 63(A).
- Delimitation of constituencies and preparation of electoral rolls: The ECP is responsible for delimitation of constituencies and preparation of electoral rolls.
- Ensuring impartiality and transparency: The ECP ensures that elections are conducted impartially, transparently, and by the law, and that corrupt practices are guarded against.
- Collaboration with caretaker governments: The ECP works closely with caretaker governments to ensure that they do not attempt to influence the electoral process.
- Providing guidelines for political parties, citizens, and the media: The ECP provides guidelines for political parties, citizens, and the media to ensure that campaigns are conducted ethically, citizens are well-informed, and the media provides unbiased coverage.
The ECP plays a pivotal role in ensuring fair elections in Pakistan. By adhering to its principles and guidelines, the ECP contributes to a democratic process that truly represents the will of the people.
