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Monday, April 15, 2013

Democracy can’t sustain without free, fair elections: CJP

* Justice Chaudhry says history of democracy in Pakistan is very painful
* Constitution will be protected at all costs
* Directs authorities to ensure women are allowed to cast votes

QUETTA: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has said that without free and fair elections the dream of sustainable democracy would not be achieved, and this may damage the socio-political fabric of society.
Addressing the returning officers in Quetta on Sunday, the chief justice said it is the duty of the constitutional institutions to help the Election Commission of Pakistan. He said that the returning officers are responsible for helping conduct elections in a free, fair and transparent manner, as they represent the judiciary. He said that it is desire of the whole nation to see transparent elections in the supervision of the judiciary. Justice Iftikhar said that constitution will be protected at all costs.
The CJP directed the authorities to ensure that women also cast votes. He said that Balochistan’s conditions are not good, but the judiciary has always performed its duties there. He noted that the province is passing through a critical stage and facing numerous challenges. Addressing the district returning officers and returning officers, the chief justice said that their role to conduct elections as per the dictates of the constitution and law is very significant in institutionalising the journey of democracy.
He said that under Article 218 of the constitution it is the responsibility of the Election Commission of Pakistan, to conduct and organise elections and to make such arrangements as are necessary to ensure that elections are conducted honestly, justly, fairly and in accordance with law, and that corrupt practices are guarded against. Similarly, Article 220 of the constitution binds all the federal and provincial executive authorities to assist the election commission in the discharge of its functions, he noted.
Justice Iftikhar said all the executive authorities and Pakistani civil society should stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the election commission to safeguard the national interests. He said the district returning officers and returning officers have been deputed to assist the election commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility. He advised them to keep in mind that conducting free and fair elections is a scared duty.
Justice Iftikhar said the conduct of free and fair election at regular intervals is the pre-requisite for bringing true democracy and stability in the country. “So far the fruit of the democracy has not been transformed to society,” he declared, adding, “Regrettably the history of democracy is painful and its effects have not been much beneficial for the people.” agencies

Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk

 

 

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