ISLAMABAD: The Coalition for Elections and Democracy (CED), comprising leading civil society organizations, has called upon political parties and government institutions of Pakistan to engage in immediate and meaningful dialogue to establish a credible mechanism to navigate the country out of the existing political crisis and ensure the conduct of free, fair, and transparent elections.
The CED consists of civil society organizations, including the Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI), Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA), Individualland (IL), Institute for Research, Advocacy and Development (IRADA), Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights (PCHR), and Peace and Justice Network (PJN).
The CED stressed the urgency of addressing complaints related to the non-availability of a level playing field, reducing political polarization, countering campaigns undermining government institutions, and establishing a perception of neutrality in the political and electoral arena. The coalition emphasized the need for a commitment to strict adherence to constitutional obligations and the timely conduct of General Elections.
Recognizing the unprecedented nature of the current political situation, the CED urged for a grand dialogue without causing any delay in the ongoing electoral process. It proposed that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should take the initiative to engage political parties and key government institutions in the dialogue.
The proposed dialogue aims to foster a broader consensus on measures to improve law and order conditions, build voter trust in the electoral process, uphold the constitution, and address the legitimate concerns of all stakeholders. The CED underscored the importance of prioritizing public interest over short-term partisan and group interests.
CED Urges Constitutional Adherence Amidst Political Crisis, Polarization
Expressing concern about the lack of dialogue among political parties and institutions, the CED highlighted ongoing dialogue as a hallmark of a democratic process. Despite political polarization, the coalition emphasized the imperative for the government and institutions to adhere to the constitution and fulfill their responsibility for the conduct of free, fair, and inclusive elections.
The CED’s call for dialogue comes at a critical juncture, with the political landscape in Pakistan facing multifaceted crises. The coalition emphasized the need for mature politics and institutional responses, achievable through candid dialogue among all stakeholders. The coalition hopes that such a dialogue, conducted with political will and sincere motives, will yield positive results in a timely manner without affecting the electoral timelines set for February 2024.
Additionally, the CED emphasized the importance of facilitating voters in flood-affected areas, addressing damaged infrastructure, and ensuring robust security measures to promote and protect citizens’ participation in the electoral process.
