Ahmed Bilal Mehboob advocates for electoral transparency in Pakistan

Pakistan and India, two neighboring countries in South Asia, recently held general elections in 2024. However, the electoral processes in these nations have showcased stark differences in terms of integrity and transparency.

For decades, Pakistan has grappled with allegations of election rigging, primarily due to undemocratic interference and a historical reluctance to accept political change through democratic means. In contrast, India, with its massive electorate of 969 million voters, has managed to smoothly transition power after conducting a general election.

Experts attribute Pakistan's electoral challenges to a centralized rigging mechanism and a lack of consensus on the importance of respecting election results. On the other hand, India's democratic framework is founded on the principles of upholding election outcomes and ensuring the independence of electoral institutions.

The disparity in electoral integrity between the two countries becomes evident when comparing the prevalence of free and fair elections in India to Pakistan's history of military interventions and centralized rigging influencing election results. The absence of robust democratic institutions in Pakistan has impeded the establishment of transparent electoral processes.

Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, a prominent political analyst, underscores the urgency of addressing election manipulation in Pakistan. Despite having a strong legal framework, the persistence of central manipulation continues to undermine the credibility of elections in the country. Mehboob advocates for a reassessment of policies and actions to safeguard the transparency of electoral procedures in Pakistan.

The contrasting experiences of Pakistan and India in conducting general elections highlight the critical importance of upholding democratic principles and ensuring electoral integrity. While India sets an example of a functioning democracy with transparent electoral processes, Pakistan faces ongoing challenges that necessitate immediate attention and reform to strengthen its democratic institutions.