Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit - Power to the grassroots or grass without roots? [Druckversion]
Power to the grassroots or grass without roots?
Lessons from the Local Bodies Elections 2005 of Pakistan.
A number of national and international organizations observed the first two phases of the Pakistani local bodies’ elections, the media reported on it and statements on how the elections were conducted in different parts of the country appeared in the local media.
Even a casual analysis of all of these statements indicates that serious concerns regarding the entire electoral process as well as the extent to which elections were allowed to be conducted in a free and fair manner were expressed. Having said this, as liberals, it must be appreciated that local bodies’ elections on the principle of devolution of power to the citizens were conducted. However such important questions as to whether the principle of devolution has been translated into action and has actually power been devolved need to be examined.
The report titled, "Power to the Grassroots or grass without roots?" is an attempt to document some of the more glaring problems faced during the electoral exercise from a citizen’s point of view with the hope that certain lessons could be learnt from them which will be reflected upon and analyzed by the political researchers and other interested quarters. This report, that has been written and compiled by Ms. Gulmina Bilal, seeks to examine what reforms can be undertaken to conduct elections that truly reflect the political voice of the citizens. It is available in both English and Urdu
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