Supporting the debate on reform of the electoral system in Pakistan is necessary, not only to increase awareness on the issue of electoral reforms, but also to provide opportunities to deliberate alternative ideas and to stimulate inputs for policy reforms.

With these objectives, FES initiated in 1994 several public forums on electoral systems reforms aided by the exchange of scholars between Germany and Pakistan. The persistent demand of such forums resulted in the establishment of a working group by FES with its members drawn from government, political parties, civil society organisations and universities. The group carried out empirical research and published various studies containing comprehensive recommendations for reforms in Pakistan's electoral system. By the year 2002, the working group completed its tasks and the results were well received both by the general public and policy makers.

A substantial number of these policy proposals were implemented, including greater autonomy and modernisation of the Election Commission, changes in the Political Parties Acts, increasing the number of seats for national and provincial parliaments, reservation of women and minority seats, re-demarcation of electoral constituencies, reduction in the voting age and greater participation of civil society in the monitoring of election rules and campaigns.

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