Barrister Roman Awan
One of the most fundamental human rights is the right to elect one’s government. It is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states, “Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.” This right is essential for several reasons.
First, it gives people a say in how they are governed. When people have the right to vote, they can choose leaders representing their interests and values. This helps to ensure that the government is accountable to the people and serves all citizens’ needs, not just a select few.
Second, the right to vote promotes political participation. When people can vote, they are more likely to be involved in other aspects of the political process, such as attending town hall meetings, contacting their elected representatives, and volunteering for political campaigns. This helps create a more informed and engaged citizenry, which is essential for a healthy democracy.
Third, the right to vote protects against tyranny. When a government is not accountable to the people, it can fast become corrupt and oppressive. The right to vote allows people to hold their government to account and ensure that it does not abuse its power.
Of course, the right to vote can be challenging to exercise. Some countries have restrictions on who can vote, such as literacy tests or property ownership requirements. In other countries, the government may use voter suppression tactics like gerrymandering or voter ID laws. However, it is essential to remember that the right to vote is a fundamental human right and should not be taken for granted.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to expand the right to vote, particularly in the United States. This movement has successfully passed laws that make it easier for people to register to vote and to vote early or absent. It is essential to continue this work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.
The right to elect one’s government is vital to a free and democratic society. It is a right that should be cherished and protected. We must all work to ensure that everyone can exercise this right, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic status.
In addition to the above reasons, the right to elect one’s government has several other benefits. For example, it can help to promote economic development, social justice, and peace.
Economic development:
When people have a say in how their government is run, they are more likely to invest in their communities and support policies promoting economic growth. This can lead to a more prosperous society for everyone.
Social justice:
The right to vote can ensure that all citizens are treated fairly and equally under the law. When people have a voice in government, they can hold their leaders accountable for addressing issues such as discrimination, poverty, and inequality.
Peace:
A democratic government accountable to its citizens is less likely to engage in violence or aggression. This is because the government has a vested interest in maintaining the peace and stability of the country.
In conclusion, the right to elect one’s government is a fundamental human right with several significant benefits. It is essential for a free and democratic society and should be cherished and protected.
Therefore, it is critical that people in Pakistan may strive to get the fundamental right to choose their government. Free and fair elections in Pakistan have been a crucial issue in Pakistan since its inception. Then, the best method to translate the measurement of the people’s will is through election. Therefore, it is a constitutional obligation of the Election Commission of Pakistan to ensure free and transparent elections. Thus, the people must strive and struggle to build Pakistan’s political institutions to translate the people’s right to elect their government.
