Rs 3,000
PILDAT facilitated the formation of the Citizens Group on Electoral Process-CGEP in 2006, with the avowed Pgoal of contributing towards the holding of free, fair and credible elections in Pakistan. A number of well-known personalities from the media, legal profession, civil society and former members of the superior judiciary and armed forces, but with no present affiliation with any political party, have been serving as members. The CGEP has played a key role in monitoring the electoral process ahead of February 2008 General Elections and is now working to institute and promote Electoral Reforms in Pakistan. In one of its key publications, the Group outlined a set of required Electoral Reforms in Pakistan in September 2007 and revised in 2008 after consultation with different stakeholders. This paper was shared with the policymakers of the time, political parties, media and other segments of the civil society. The Electoral Reform proposals have been updated in March 2010. The CGEP believes that the time to consider and institute required Electoral Reforms in the country is now. The elected political government, Parliament and the new administration of the Election Commission of Pakistan are well-aware of the challenges of the existing electoral system. A firm political will and commitment to reform at this stage, with support from citizens and the media, therefore, can enable the country to put in place the Electoral Reforms that can truly provide a level-playing field to all and fulfil the criteria of free, fair and credible elections in Pakistan. The updated proposals on Electoral Reforms by CGEP, therefore, are our sincere contribution to this process at this crucial stage. This paper has been prepared by PILDAT under the project titled Electoral and Parliamentary Process and Civil Society in Pakistan, in partnership with the East-West Centre, Hawaii and supported by the United Nations Democracy Fund.
