A civil rights activist in Pakistan-administered Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Mahmood Musafir, has submitted a detailed petition to the Election Commission for reforms in the electoral system, in which he strongly criticizes the current political structure and presents several important suggestions.
The petition has taken the position that the Legislative Assembly of Azad Kashmir has lost its original spirit and has become a center of interests of influential classes and capitalists instead of public representation.
According to the petitioner, registered political parties have held the democratic process “hostage”. Politics has been made a means of personal interest instead of state service. The repeated change of prime ministers in past assemblies is an example of “democratic instability”.
Referring to the 2006 and 2021 assemblies, he said that members voted to change prime ministers several times, which raises questions about the seriousness of the system.
The petition blames the current system for public problems, saying that poverty and unemployment have increased. The people are struggling for basic necessities. There has been an increase in suicides and economic pressure.
It was further said that the protests and unrest have also caused human and financial losses, including dozens of deaths, hundreds of injuries and billions of rupees in losses.
Mahmood Musafir has proposed several important reforms in his petition:
Code of conduct for political affiliation
At least two years of ban on those who change parties.
Not holding a central position for five years after joining a new party.
At least two years of party membership is mandatory to get a ticket.
All candidates must disclose complete details of assets.
Oath not to contest the next election in case of non-compliance with the manifesto.
Responsibility for by-election expenses
Proposal for the candidate who leaves the winning seat to bear the expenses of the by-election himself.
Alternatively, recommendation to declare the second-place candidate successful.
The petition said that the huge amount spent on by-elections could be spent on basic projects like education and water.
Accountability for the performance of political parties
A party that fails to implement its manifesto within 25 years should be deregistered.
Every party should be required to hold internal elections within two years.
The petition concludes by warning that if reforms are not made in time, further unrest and severe reactions may arise in the region.
This petition has come at a time when the debate on political stability, governance and public issues is intensifying in Azad Kashmir. The proposals presented by Mahmood Musafir highlight the need for change not only in the electoral system but also in the overall political culture.
Now it remains to be seen to what extent the Election Commission and the relevant institutions implement these proposals and whether these demands can take the form of practical reforms or not.
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