General Election in Pakistan: A critical study

Abstract

Democracy is based on election. In the formation of a representative government, elections play a decisive role. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) derives its authority from the constitution of Pakistan 1973. It is an institution that deals with conducting elections in constitutional intervals. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of Pakistan is the head of this institution. However, the forty-eight-year electoral history of Pakistan is full of accusations, rigging, and malpractices. The defeating parties do not accept the electoral results that create uncertainty, political instability, and erode democracy.

The paper examines the Part VIII of the constitution of Pakistan. It looks upon the electoral history and critically evaluates the role of elected governments in maneuvering the disagreements over the results of the General Election.* It argues with the electoral reforms and analysis their applicability in the next general elections. The paper identifies significant issues and suggests recommendations to make the electoral process smooth and transparent. This research is conducted using various approaches, including critical, analytical, deductive, and qualitative.

* The paper deals with general election held all over the country to elect the representatives of the National Assembly.