From eating food to journey, shopping to availing different services like buying or selling houses and flats have been online. Banking, renewal of CNIC, quest of better and overseas proposals for marriages can also be availed online. Online tickets can be booked for travelling at domestic level and abroad both by air and train. People tend to avail such services online rather than going out to bother themselves. Moreover, this pandemic of COVID-19 has forced masses to get as much stuff and services online as much possible even classes are being taken online as educational institutions are closed.
In this scenario, when we are making everything online, one major assignment is yet to be made online which is electing our rulers. Franchising is given to every citizen of progressed and developed countries while in Pakistan majority of inhabitants are seemed deprived from franchising of their own choice rather are driven and forced to cast their vote owing to political pressure. This step would not only diminish the chances of rigging as well as trillions of rupees which are spent on election campaign from public-exchequer might be saved. Complete lock down or curfew might be imposed on the day of election in order to refrain from rigging and any political pressure.
This seems a bit difficult process but not impossible and a pilot project might be experienced before general election by conducting any sort of campaign. Let’s set a precedent that electing rulers on line is practicable. By the way this pandemic has turned the bent of mind of masses towards everything online which itself an example that many assignments can be accomplished online then why not online election.
Faisal Ansar
Karachi
