15-
CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS
MQM is in favour of a parliamentary form of Government and wishes
to see elected institutions becoming strong, stable and
authoritative. The legislation should be made through the
Parliament.
Since anomalies in the Constitution
impede the continuity and stability of the democratic framework
and tend to harm and restrict the role of elected parliament, MQM
desires that inconsistencies and contradictions in the
Constitution of Pakistan should be corrected through consensus as
a result of discussions with all the political parties in the
country.
MQM wants to see a balance in the
powers vested in the president and the prime minister of the
country and it considers that the spirit of democracy requires
that absolute power should not be in an individual's hand, be it
the president or the prime minister.
MQM wants to provide constitutional protection for the elected local bodies throughout the country. MQM wishes to have such amendments in the constitution as may ensure reservation of seats for women in the Senate, National and Provincial Assemblies and Local Bodies on a permanent basis. MQM is of the view that every adult citizen of the country has a democratic right to franchise. MQM strongly feels that the people of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) must also have the same right as other parts of the country where the elections are conducted on the basis of adult franchise. At present the minimum voting age in our country is 21 years. MQM’s point of view is that if a person of 18 years is considered adult and issued an identity card, then he or she should also have a right to vote. The constitution therefore needs to be amended to reduce the voting age to 18.