Elections 2018: Assets declaration, accountability and disinterest
Lack of interest to run for the legislative assemblies outlines the altering patterns in #GE2018.
(WebDesk) - Election Commission of Pakistan released a comparison of the number of nomination papers filled by the prospective candidates for the General Election 2018 and the applicants for general elections 2013.
According to the comparative table, a total of 21, 482 nominations papers were filed for the elections 2018 in comparison with the 28, 308 applications received by the ECP in general elections 2018. The difference shows a significant drop of 24.1%
The data also shows an arbitrary decrease in the number of applications received by the ECP particularly for the general seats. In last elections, a total of 7996 candidates submitted their nomination papers for National Assembly and 18, 825 for provincial assembly which reduces to 5473 for National and 13, 693 for provincial assembly respectively.
COMPARISON OF NOMINATION PAPERS FILED WITH ECP FOR NATIONAL AND PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLIES
(GENERAL SEATS)
However, a sheer steep can be seen in the nominations papers filed by the women candidates and the minorities particularly for the provincial assemblies.
Prodigies say that the prevailing lack of interest to run for the legislative assemblies outlines the altering patterns of contesting elections.
In contrast with the past customary politics of Pakistan, a noticeable low has been seen in the filing of nomination papers by the prospective contenders for elections 2018.
According to experts, among many reasons, publicizing the details of assets of the aspirants to contest elections 2018 possibly be a strong reason to remain out or behind in the big game of power and puissance.
An attempt skip declaration of assets’ details has allegedly been made by the legislative assembly which exempted the contesting candidates to not declare their financial means. The election act 2017 after being passed from the assembly had allowed candidates to not announce their resources. As per election act 2017, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) issued the nomination form without the declaration of assets columns.
Stern public reprimand has been observed and two of the Dunya News, Journalists Habib Akram and Lawyer Saad Rasool filed a petition in Lahore High Court. Court ordered candidates contesting elections to declare their financial means as non-declaration is an austere violation of the people’s right to information. However, ECP amid many constraints could not issue new forms within a specific span, and along with former moved to Supreme Court. SC complied electoral candidates to submit their asset details in an affidavit along with nomination papers. It is pertinent to mention that submitted details are publishable.
Non-declaration of assets in last two years has already brought a huge fiasco for the bigwigs of politics and cost them disqualification for life under the article 62 and 63 of the constitution. After such chaotic development, a considerable low has been viewed in the filing of nomination papers to contest elections 2018.
Along with the declaration of assets, prevailing political uncertainty, stringent accountability, pending cases to victimize certain candidates or parties ahead of general elections 2018 are the apprehensions and concerns discouraging a large number of candidates to not run in the race.
According to experts, seat adjustments, new-fangled seasonal alliances, altering loyalties and patronage to a particular political party are also the perceptible threats looming politicians for elections 2018.
Besides, a steep hike in fee, is also being considered a reason, discouraged independents from remote regions to come forward for contesting elections 2018.
For more #Election2018 News and updates, please visit Dunya Elections 2018
