Waseem Ahmed
Pakistan’s journey towards the crucial February 8th elections has been turbulent, but recent developments suggest that major hurdles are being cleared, paving the way for a critical democratic exercise. The Supreme Court has played a pivotal role in removing roadblocks that threatened to derail the process.
Supreme Court Steps In:
- Last Friday, the apex court intervened in a dramatic late-night session, suspending a Lahore High Court order that had thrown the election process into disarray.
- On Monday, another hurdle was overcome when the Supreme Court overruled a Balochistan High Court decision, asserting that objections to constituency delimitations cannot be raised after the election schedule has been announced.
Echoing the Nation’s Desire:
These rulings reflect the sentiment of many Pakistanis who yearn for a return to normalcy and the completion of the democratic cycle. Acting Chief Justice Sardar Tariq Masood’s words, “Let the polls take place,” resonate with this widespread desire for stability and continuity.
Balancing Concerns:
While concerns about gerrymandering and unfairly drawn constituencies are legitimate, they cannot be used as a pretext to indefinitely delay the elections. As Justice Mansoor Ali Shah rightly pointed out during Monday’s hearing, “We have to draw a line and set a limit in this regard.”
Focus on Fairness:
The Supreme Court’s intervention has ensured that the elections will not be postponed, but the question of fairness remains. For the democratic process to be truly credible, all parties must be allowed to campaign freely and openly. This includes the PTI, which has faced significant hurdles in its operations since the May 9th episode. The release of detained PTI leaders and the dropping of charges against those not formally convicted are crucial steps towards ensuring a level playing field.
Shifting Gears:
With the nomination process now underway, it’s time for political parties to shift gears and engage with the electorate. The wheeling and dealing of constituency politics and the migration of ‘electables’ towards perceived favorites are already underway, but a more substantive level of engagement is needed.
Beyond Rhetoric:
Except for the PPP, which has been relatively active on the campaign trail, most mainstream parties have displayed a lackluster approach. This needs to change. Pakistan faces a multitude of crises, from political polarization and economic stagnation to disillusionment with the system and resurgent terrorism. It is the responsibility of political parties to convince the electorate that the democratic process holds the key to overcoming these challenges.
Parties need to move beyond empty rhetoric and present concrete manifestos outlining their policy positions. They must engage with voters on a deeper level, reaching out to older generations through traditional methods like rallies and corner meetings, while utilizing social media to connect with the younger demographic. Only a free and transparent election can dispel the feelings of hopelessness and disillusionment that plague Pakistan. It is an opportunity for a new democratic dawn, where the power truly rests with the people. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Pakistan can seize this opportunity and embark on a brighter future.
Lastly, there is a need to provide a level playing field to all political parties in Pakistan including PTI. It is only the political prerogative of the people to elect their representatives. Furthermore, the aspiring candidates of the PTI should be allowed to contest elections. Then, it is also the constitutional obligation of the ECP to hold free and fair elections.
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