The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), supported by IFES, conducted a workshop on Electoral Systems and Reform. The event, held on August 16 2010, included a presentation from Prof. Andrew Reynolds (University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill), one of the world’s leading experts on electoral systems. Participants included the Chief Election Commissioner, other senior members of the ECP from all four provinces of Pakistan, civil society representatives and IFES Pakistan staff members. 

Prof. Reynolds discussed the different types of electoral systems around the world, key issues in their choice and the consequences associated with them. Participants were given an opportunity to share their thoughts on the electoral system reform criteria for Pakistan, with special attention paid to issues of accountability, stability and the representation of women and minorities. They also considered the merits and demerits of First Past The Post (FPTP), Alternative Vote, List Proportional Representation and Mixed systems within a Pakistani context. Facilitated by Prof. Reynolds, methods of reforming the overall election system and ensuring representation were also examined.