Abu Jakir :
The Constitution Reform Commission, led by Dr Ali Riaz, is preparing to submit its proposals to Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus by mid-January.
The Commission’s recommendations seek to address longstanding issues and prevent the misuse of constitutional amendments, which have historically been exploited to legitimise one-party rule or military governance. Since 1972, the Constitution has been amended 17 times, often serving specific political interests.
Following an analysis of 54,000 public opinions and a study of the constitutions of 120 countries, the Commission is set to recommend several significant reforms:
Balancing Powers: Introduce measures to balance the powers between the President and the Prime Minister.
Term Limits for Prime Ministers: Restrict individuals from serving more than two consecutive terms as Prime Minister.
Separation of Roles: Ensure that the
roles of Prime Minister and party leader are held by different individuals.
” Bicameral Parliament: Propose the establishment of a two-chamber parliamentary system to enhance representation and governance.
” Amendment of Article 70: Revise this article to provide greater flexibility for lawmakers while maintaining party discipline.
” Deputy Speaker from Opposition: Mandate that the Deputy Speaker be selected from the opposition.
” Reduced Speaker Powers: Curtail the unilateral powers of the Speaker.
” Lower Age for Candidacy: Reduce the minimum age for parliamentary candidacy from 25 to 21 years.
Speaking to a private television channel recently, Dr Ali Riaz highlighted the inclusive and comprehensive process behind the proposed reforms. He emphasised that, although a complete rewrite of the Constitution is not planned, the proposed amendments could significantly align the document with public aspirations.
“Our aim is to reflect democratic aspirations and ensure accountability,” Dr Riaz stated.
“We have engaged with a wide range of stakeholders to integrate their expectations and concerns. The proposals, such as introducing a bicameral parliamentary system and balancing executive powers, are designed to address these aspirations.”
Dr Riaz further explained the rationale for a bicameral system, noting its role in representing diverse opinions and enhancing governance. “This system allows for broader representation and accountability, especially in the Prime Minister’s office,” he said.
On reducing the age for candidacy, Dr Riaz remarked, “Lowering the age to 21 ensures greater participation from the youth, aligning with global practices.” He also highlighted that the Commission has reviewed all 17 amendments to the Constitution since 1972 to assess their outcomes and address any shortcomings.
The Constitution Reform Commission is one of several bodies tasked with recommending changes in various sectors, including the judiciary, police administration, anti-corruption measures, public administration, and the electoral system. Six commissions are expected to submit their reports by mid-January, while five more, formed later, are due by February.
These recommendations will shape discussions among political parties and stakeholders as the interim government works to build consensus on a roadmap for governance and elections.
Chief Advisor Dr Yunus plans to initiate dialogues with political parties and stakeholders in February, focusing on the scope of reforms achievable before the elections, a framework for post-election implementation, and setting a definitive election timeline.
As the interim government navigates these critical issues, the Commission’s proposals are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s democratic future.
