ISLAMABAD: The 18th Youth Parliament of Pakistan convened its third virtual session in which youth from across Pakistan converged online to participate in this session, featuring discussions, Youth Standing Committee elections and insights into the future of governance.
In the session organized on April 27, 104 primary members and fifty-four alternate members participated. They represented all National Assembly constituencies of Pakistan, including Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Overseas Pakistanis.
The session proceeded with a presentation on the Assessment of the Quality of General Election 2024.
The key points of the presentation underlined the evolution of Pakistan’s electoral process since 2002, with a focus on the three phases of elections: pre-poll, polling day and post-poll.
The methodology and process of the PILDAT survey were explained, which assessed the fairness and important issues during each phase.
Youth Parliament Pakistan Discusses Other Issues
The presentation also addressed speculations surrounding the Election Management System and the Election Commission of Pakistan’s justifications regarding its use. A comparative assessment of the quality of polls was also presented, culminating in recommendations for the ECP and Parliament to further improve the electoral process.
Following the presentation, the floor opened up for an interactive Q&A session that encouraged active participation and the exchange of diverse viewpoints. Some key points raised by the MYPs included the impartiality of the ECP, the need for a transparent judicial commission and the electoral watchdog’s reliance on technology as an excuse.
Moreover, MYPs wondered whether youth would participate in the next general elections given the current circumstances. They discussed the subjects of the Charter of Democracy and the manipulation of forms 45 and 47.
