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What would you call an organization that cannot figure out that  37.2 million out of 82 million voters taking part in an election are fake or bogus?  What if this institution also conveniently omits to check the requirement of degrees and pushes some 300 fake degree holders into the parliament.  What would you call an institution that omits a vital constitutional requirement of checking dual nationality and thus enables an estimated  30-40 percent dual nationality/loyalty holders to become our lawmakers?  These and many other similar acts of omission in any civilized country  would logically result in extended prison sentences for the key members of the institution responsible for such criminal neglect.  However in the Islamic Republic, now famous for its institutional delinquency, members of this organization are remorselessly free to repeat their past mistakes in the not too distant future.

It is imperative that the existing Election Commission of Pakistan is revamped and held accountable; and a completely independent and powerful new election commission constituted.   Waking up after all these years to say that we will now ask for a dual nationality affidavit from new contestants is a lip service, a farce and a clerical attempt to seek refuge behind papers.  The new contestants like the previous fake degree holders will produce any piece of paper to dupe the Commission.  If the Election Commission really means business they would ensure that  NADRA,  concerned ministries and investigation agencies verify dual nationality of every future contestant and not leave it to superficial affidavits.  If the Election Commission was earnest it would have  initiated steps to unseat the  90 or so existing dual nationality holders much earlier. After all, the dual nationality law was equally applicable in 2007.  Had the Election Commission been sincere, it would have pushed the HEC to provide a complete list of fake degree holders and taken steps to get them disqualified as parliamentarians.   If the Election Commission had really been effective, it would have made sure that the 37.2 million false votes were removed and the voting lists revised without dragging its feet and waiting for the Supreme Court orders.

Regrettably none of this has been either done or is likely to be done by  our toothless Election Commission.  Those interested in a fair and democratic Pakistan (not referring to the fraudulent and dynastic system that prevails today) must insist on accountability and reforms in this affidavit-dependent institution that has no interest in discharging its obligations in an upright and effective manner.

Please write to EC (or forward this letter  cec@ecp.gov.pk) asking for reforms and actions to mitigate the past mistakes /omissions and  taking actions to prevent their recurrence.