Constitutional Structures for a Strong Democracy: Considerations on the Government of Pakistan

SummaryI consider structural reforms to democracy in Pakistan using ideas from the analysis of oligopolistic competition and game theory. Successful democracy requires strong, flexible political parties and high-quality, responsible leaders. Parliamentary responsibility for government helps develop strong parties. National parties should be able to nominate candidates in all elections at all levels. For flexibility, members of the National Assembly should be free to form new parties. With federalism, provincial and local democracy also reduce political entry barriers. Approval-voting open-list proportional representation can strengthen democratic leadership in all communities. Runoff elections would allow more flexible party competition in single-seat districts.