Political Contestation and Electoral Reforms: An Analysis of The Election Act, 2017 in Pakistan

Abstract

Election plays a vital role in a democratic society and ensures political participation. Election Commission of Pakistan as an autonomous constitutional body with mandate to conduct, regulate and supervise elections. However, it remained controversial due to the alleged pre-election manipulation and allegations of systemic rigging and interference of military etc. A series of laws are passed for the election’s reforms for instance The Electoral Rolls Act 1974, Election and Commission Order 2002 etc. Despite that, electoral process is controversial and needs practicable reforms. However, The Election Bill, 2017 passed to address electoral issues but became subjected to criticism. This research paper is qualitative and based on content analysis. It analyzes clause 203 and sections 7B and 7C in The Election Bill, 2017 and stance of opposition political parties in and outside the Parliament of Pakistan.