Voting in a true democracy is not a ceremony but a demand for accountability. Citizens do not merely choose leaders; they assert their right to be heard and to shape the decisions that govern their lives. Yet in Pakistan, that right often feels partial, incomplete and distant from everyday reality. National elections held, ballots are cast, but voices frequently vanish once the results are tallied. Electoral processes are hampered by outdated voter registration systems, uneven transparency, and limited access to real-time results. At the same time, local governments, which are responsible for providing essential services such as water, sanitation, roads, health, and education, are weakened by delayed elections, curtailed authority, and uncertain tenure. The result is a democracy that exists on paper but often fails in practice, leaving citizens, particularly women, youth and marginalized communities disconnected from the decisions that most affect their lives. Strengthening both national electoral integrity and local governance is no longer optional, it is the foundation for a responsive, accountable and resilient Pakistan.

Pakistan has made some progress in electoral modernization. The Election Commission of Pakistan has introduced digital voter lists and expanded outreach campaigns, helping youth turnout rise from roughly 37 percent in 2018 to about 48 percent in 2024. Yet transparency gaps remain: basic election data, such as polling schemes, gender-disaggregated turnout, and real-time results, are inconsistently available to the public and independent monitors. Without accessible,........

© Pakistan Observer