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Article

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President Asif Ali Zardari administered oath of office to a 22-person federal cabinet last Friday. Almost three years in, his party’s government says this has been done to address concerns about “good governance.” This is a good start, but there are other things that he and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani can and should do.

First, we need to progress toward democratic governance. The Election Commission of Pakistan must be neutral and empowered. Political parties must run cleanly and democratically: they must hold regular intra-party elections, submit their audited accounts and statements of assets of members, and adhere strictly to election rules, including spending limits. Electronic polling can help make elections transparent and accurate. Legislators must be schooled about the procedures of the assemblies. Parliamentary committees should be supported by a staff of experts who can bring meaning and depth to discussions. And key appointments to state institutions should be heard and endorsed by a Senate committee.

Publication Source

Newsweek

Publication Date

2-21-2011

Pages

1-2

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