The present electoral, political system built up on the pillars of culture of winning horses, ticket fee, costly election campaign, caste system, corruption and hooliganism does not promise any positive change in the country. The same set of faces and families with marginal difference will return to the corridors of power to play havoc with people’s destiny. The popularity of Tehreek-i-Insaaf on slogan of change is welcome but there are fears that the present electoral system might dilute the role of Tehreek-i-Insaaf. If Imran Khan and his party make effort for change in the electoral system like Pakistan Awami Tehreek and Minhaj-ul-Quran International, the way for real representatives’ election to parliament can be paved. No single party can succeed in restoring people’s rights on its own.

Dr Raheeq Ahmad Abbasi, Secretary General of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, expressed these views while addressing an intellectual gathering on the subject of defects of present electoral system in Lahore today. Anwar Akhtar Advocate, Lehrasiab Gondal, G.M. Malik, Ghulam Farid, Sohail Ahmad Raza, and other leaders were also present on the occasion.

Dr Raheeq Abbasi said that the present electoral system does not reflect the true spirit of democracy and this system is the protector of the vested interests of a few politically dominant families. There is no space for any competent, capable and sincere leadership in the present political arrangement. He said that there are strong fears that struggle of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf could fall victim to the present oppressive, interest-based and hypocritic electoral system.

Dr Abbasi said that the political wisdom demanded that the malaise afflicting the body politic should be cured first and energies should not be wasted on tactical matters. He said that the silent majority does not come out to vote on the day of balloting and their protest is basically against the present electoral system. “It is, therefore, important that this thinking should be developed in the society that the present electoral system is the mother of all problems and no real change can occur without changing it,” he concluded.