Dear Editor,
As the PPP gets closer to choosing its presidential candidate for the 2011 elections the mechanism by which it will do so has become clearer, although some details are still unclear. One such detail is the use of the secret ballot both in the Executive Committee and the Central Committee.
If there is a contest for the top position on the ruling party’s ticket then the voting must be by secret ballot, ie, those casting a vote must be assured that they could freely exercise that right without fear of retribution. There are many reasons to use the secret ballot and these include the following.
First, it appears as if the President is openly favouring one aspirant and may be willing to use his influence to pressure others to vote for that person. Second, past practice within the party suggests that the secret ballot is used whenever there is a contest for a position.
For example, the election of members of the Executive Committee by the Central Committee is done by this method. Although the party’s constitution apparently is silent on the use of the secret ballot, past practice dictates that this is the appropriate method.
Third, the party would face the prospect of severe internal dissent if someone favoured by the status quo is chosen in a show of hands by members of the two committees. This will affect party unity and negatively affect its performance in the election.
Fourth, if the candidate supported by the President is defeated in a show of hands then the President’s authority would be severely impaired and he would be a lame duck leader through to the end of his term.
All of the above suggests that for the selection of the PPP candidate to be free and fair and free from fear it must be by secret ballot. Any attempt to do the contrary would be courting disaster.
Yours faithfully,
Jang Singh
