Is there a case for compulsory voting in Pakistan? As the next general elections draw nearer, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should consider measures for strengthening the electoral process such that it contributes to more effective functioning of the state. Introducing a compulsory voting law provides one such opportunity; the timing for such an effort could not be better. Public participation in policy formulation is implicit in the concept of democracy and voting is one of its most — if not the most — important aspect. A look at voting trends in south Asia reveals that Pakistan lags behind all other countries in this area. Consider, for instance, voter turnout rates in the region in the most recent parliamentary elections in each country: Bangladesh 85 per cent (2008), Maldives 79 per cent (2009), Bhutan 79 per cent (2008), Nepal 63 per cent (2008), Sri Lanka 61 per cent (2010) and India 58 per cent (2009). Even Afghanistan with a voter turnout of 46 per cent (2010) has fared better than Pakistan, which had a 45 per cent rate (2008). While it is the fundamental right of the people to elect the right leadership, it is also an obligation to public welfare that they must uphold. And it must be taken more seriously by both the governed and those who govern. The experience of advanced democratic societies suggests that greater public participation in political processes encourages them to effectively create the demands and pressures on the state to provide necessary goods and services; and to hold it accountable to the social contract. The system is tried and tested and it works.

Compulsory voting is not a novel idea. It is exercised in several countries, including Argentina, Australia, Philippines, Belgium, Brazil, Costa Rica, Italy, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey and several others. In some of these countries, the law is enforced with administrative sanctions against violators, such as prohibition to issue a passport, a driver’s license or an occupational license. Some states levy monetary fines against non-voters and sometimes remove their names from voter lists. Imposing such enforcement mechanisms, however, present challenges in implementation that may not be context-appropriate for Pakistan. However, it is important to note that there are countries where penalties for non-compliance are stipulated by law but are not strictly enforced. Yet, their voting laws, albeit symbolic in nature, still carry an effect on people in terms of creating greater societal awareness regarding their rights and responsibilities towards public good and consequently, increase the levels of voter participation.

Opponents of compulsory voting argue that it complicates the election process with the greater likelihood of blank, multiple and invalid voting. These are issues the ECP and NADRA should anticipate and plan for if such a law is introduced in Pakistan. There are lessons to be learned from the experiences of countries where voting is compulsory. Pakistan could do well to draw upon their insights and emulate their best practices. Australia provides a compelling model where voting has been mandatory for nearly a century. The practice was enforced in 1924, immediately demonstrating a significant impact with a 32 per cent increase in voter turnout. Thus, voter turnout in Australia increased from 59 per cent in the 1922 elections prior to the introduction of the law, and thereafter to 91 per cent in the 1925 elections.

In Pakistan, voter participation has not moved in tandem with its democratic trajectory, showing a negligible increase of three per cent between election years 2002 to 2008, from 42 per cent to 45 per cent. Surely, Pakistan could do better. But would it in the next elections? Realistically speaking, it is quite unlikely that voter turnout in Pakistan will increase significantly without a deliberate and concerted effort on the part of key state institutions to make this possible. The fact that over half of Pakistan’s registered voters do not cast their vote does not bode well for its democratic aspirations. Democracy, after all, is government by the people, at least a majority, if not all of them. The electoral results should be representative of their will. The government must, therefore, take concrete measures to bridge the gap between voters and non-voters, even if it means going the extra mile. Making voting compulsory prior to the next elections is necessary and critical for Pakistan for a smoother and meaningful democratic transition. Evidence suggests that policies formulated by governments have greater legitimacy when higher numbers of people participate in electing them. It would clearly place Pakistan’s democratically elected leadership on surer footing and a steadier path. On another note, as Pakistan continues to navigate an increasingly competitive and challenging economic and political global landscape, a more robust democratic image would serve its interests well.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 24th, 2012.
The case for compulsory voting – The Express Tribune

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great idea on paper, but doubt it would work. not because people would not vote, but because nobody in pakistan fears sanctions.

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how about only people with post secondary education vote...

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[QUOTE=PKB;2306646]Naveen is hot n sexy :)[/QUOTE]

There is a compulsory voting system in Australia but they have another choice on the ballot besides the candidates's names... and that choice is .. "none of the above". I think the turn out is over 98% in Australia.

Voting Can Be 'Ibadah

Voting Can Be 'Ibadah - By: Dr. Ahmad Shafaat

In Islam the concept of 'ibadah is far more comprehensive than the concept of "worship" which is often used to translate the word into English. 'Ibadah, as understood in Islam, includes every action that is performed with the intention (or niyyah) of fulfilling the wishes of the Creator, whether directly or indirectly.

Thus, not only prayer is 'ibadah but also going to the mosque for prayer or preparing to go to the mosque is also 'ibadah, for these actions are directed toward the fulfillment of a divine commandment. Even such primary functions as eating, sleeping, etc. can become 'ibadah if they are carried out with the intention of getting the physical strength or ability to fulfill divine commandments.

Now, it is one of the divine wishes that believers run their affairs through mutual consultation (shura banahum). In fact, in one Qur`anic passage God expresses this wish alongside His wish that believers establish regular prayers and regular charity:

"And (remember) that whatever you are given (now) is but for the passing enjoyment of the life of this world, whereas that which is with God is far better and enduring. (It shall be given) to all those who have faith and who put their trust in their Lord; who avoid the more serious sins and shameful deeds; who whenever they are moved to anger, readily forgive; who harken unto their Lord and are regular in their prayer; who run their affairs by mutual consultation; and who spend out of what We have given to them. (42:36-38)

Now, voting is a form of shura or consultation. Through it a community consults its members as to who should direct its affairs for a given period of time. Consequently, it would be counted as 'ibadah in Islam if a Muslim votes with the following niyyah:

"I cast my vote, O Lord, in fulfillment of Your wish that believers run their affairs by mutual consultation and in the hope that most suitable persons may be entrusted with the affairs of the Muslims."

With this niyyah not only the voting would be counted as 'ibadah but also traveling for the purpose of voting, waiting in line to cast one's vote, etc.

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that is crap, takes away individual responsibility for voting, just saying blindly vote and hope for the best. such an attitude is not congruous with democracy. this is akin to drawing names out of a hat. yes, if you first use your own brain and then come up with who you think is best, then you can apply the principle listed above which is asking Allah to help that leader govern properly. but if you're just blindly voting and then praying that whoever i vote for may they succeed, or whoever my elders told me to vote for i'll just vote for them and hope he/she succeeds, that is pointless. again, we need to move away from sheep mentality, get empowered, and understand the concept of INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY.

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where does it say vote blindly? Or sheep mentality? Seriously the point of this small article is to show voting can be ibadah if done to welfare of society. In any democratic or otherwise setup its a basic understanding that for a system to succeed eligible and best ppl should be running it. If I am to consider my vote as ibadah ofcoz b4 voting i would consider all the candidates and choose the best in my opinion and then pray to Lord that the person chosen lead us the righteously. Its basic concept I am surprise you got so angry and decuded something which baqool Faiz

voh baat jis sare fasane main zikr na tha
voh baat onko buhat nagawar guzree hai

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there's a weird phenomena all over the world where people vote on social policy and then criticize on economic performance...

seriously, how many of us actually understand economic policy? in depth? not many.

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[QUOTE=PKB;2306646]Naveen is hot n sexy :)[/QUOTE]

nobody needs to understand economic policy. only thing that pakistanis need to understand in 2013 is this:

PPP and PML have brought this country to its knees. hence let's not vote for people who have brought the country to its knees. simple!!

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i got angry because that is not how it is applied. people in pakistan vote on a whim or based on what elders tell them to, or whoever gives more money before the elections, blah blah blah. and then after voting people sit around and pray for the country to get better. country will only get better if people understand the power of their vote. crap in = crap out. simple concept. hopefully people understand the power they have in 2013 and do not take it lightly.

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what ppl in pakistan do is same as what ppl everywhere do its inherent flaw in election system, citizen united should show u that clearly.

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lol kio haal nahi

well that's a given... but i wouldn't be surprised if these tested failed parties walk into office again... such is the state of our nation.

imran khan definitely deserves a chance, although i don't agree with how he's bed buddies with the mullahs...

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