Tahir Maqsood Chheena
It is a paradox that a political party that boasts of being the most popular party depends so much on electables and is even willing to abandon its faithful workers. Does this not imply that the party is either not popular enough to win majority on its own, or it doubts its ability, or it has been compelled to adopt electables. Whatever the reason, one can argue that since election is the only means to legitimise the de facto as de jure, the political elites form coalitions to maintain their grip over the business of legislation and civil society. The aim is also likely to block unwanted outsiders, such as reformists, from winning elections. That explains why successive elections have, instead of improving governance, given ‘legitimacy’ to deeply corrupt, unjust and exploitative status quo forces. No wonder they often not only resist reforms but also hinder implementation of pro-people, pro-women legislation. That is why I am hesitant to use a respectable term like electable for them. Interestingly, in 1990s they were called lotas i.e. turncoats.
Therefore, publicity of electables is just a way to conceal real factors of their victory. Hence, the phenomenon of the electables may be analysed from that perspective. Oxford Dictionary defines election as “a formal and organised choice by voters for a political office”. Famous pollster Patrick Murray defines electability “a perceived ability to win an election, as judged by voters, party insiders, political pundits, and the media”. Thus, it is important to understand the factors that shape perception. But Murray’s definition seems to be West-centric, as civil liberties are honoured there and the public heavily rely on media, expert opinion and vote in a free environment for making their choice.
On the other hand, our context is very complex and multi-layered. Besides, hidden hands manipulate and distort electoral processes. Also, a large majority of people have low trust in media and state institutions. Hence, they are likely to rely less on media. And unlike in the West, only few people could use their free will in critical matters, such as polling, while a significant majority is likely to vote under some form of pressure and coercion or immediate benefit such as cash for vote or both. In short, unlike the in West, hard realities matter more than the perception. Mera vote, meri marzi is considered an idealistic choice. Recent reports also show that 40% of Pakistan’s population is living below the poverty line and income and power inequalities are widening fast while the elites have captured every sphere of society, economy and state machinery. No wonder percentage of slave-like voters is likely to be very high in the constituencies of the so-called electables. Think of south Punjab, upper Sindh and Balochistan.
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Pakistan’s electoral system is also inherently pro-rich and prone to easy manipulation because one can even win by one vote. Interestingly, in 2018 election, 239 winners had a victory margin of less than 5,000 votes. Though in most constituencies two powerful electables contest, lucky ones are likely to have more of the following characteristics:
- Size of landholding and number of on-farm families; or size of business and number of employees. 2) Capacity and ability to spend money. 3) Size of his biraadri or clan. 4) Custodian of shrine. 5) Nepotism — number of jobs arranged for vote mobilisers, and development funds spent in constituency. 6) Being unscrupulous — don’t hesitate to buy votes, to use coercive means, and to intimidate rivals, register fake cases of theft etc against defiant voters etc. 7) Capacity to trigger feuds and to resolve disputes. 8) Relationship with the police and administration. 9) Relationship with underworld and criminals. 10) Strong streak of amenability to the powerful and being tough with the weak.
In detail, electables are those candidates who have the resources, influence, and connections to win elections in their constituencies, regardless of their party affiliation, ideology, or performance. They are often feudal lords, businessmen, religious leaders, or former bureaucrats who rely on their personal networks, money, and patronage to secure votes. They are also prone to switching parties and loyalties to align themselves with the ruling or dominant faction. Electables are considered a major obstacle to the development of a genuine and representative democracy and governance in Pakistan, for several reasons:
- Electables undermine the role and significance of political parties, which are supposed to be the main vehicles of democratic expression and participation. By joining and leaving parties based on their personal interests and calculations, electables weaken the party discipline, cohesion, and ideology. They also reduce the accountability and responsiveness of the parties to the public, as they are more concerned with appeasing the electables than the voters. Electables also diminish the role of party workers and activists, who are often sidelined or ignored in favor of the electables.
- Electables distort the electoral process and outcomes, which are supposed to reflect the will and preferences of the people. By using their money, power, and influence, electables manipulate the voters, the election commission, the media, and the security forces to ensure their victory. They also resort to buying votes, bribing officials, intimidating opponents, and rigging polls. Electables also create barriers to entry for new and independent candidates, who lack the resources and networks to compete with them. Electables also reduce the diversity and quality of representation, as they tend to belong to the same elite class and background, and have little regard for the needs and aspirations of the masses.
- Electables compromise the quality and effectiveness of governance, which is supposed to serve the public interest and welfare. By occupying key positions and portfolios in the government, electables pursue their own agendas and interests, rather than the national or public ones. They also indulge in corruption, nepotism, and mismanagement of public resources and institutions. Electables also resist and obstruct any reforms or policies that may threaten their status or privileges, such as land reforms, tax reforms, local government reforms, etc. Electables also undermine the rule of law and the separation of powers, as they influence and interfere with the judiciary, the bureaucracy, and the military.
Therefore, it is critical to defeat electables in Pakistan to strengthen democracy and governance, as they are the main impediments to the development of a democratic culture, system, and performance in the country. To defeat electables, some possible measures are:
- Reforming the electoral system and laws, to make them more transparent, fair, and accountable. This may include introducing proportional representation, campaign finance regulations, biometric verification, electronic voting, etc.
- Empowering and strengthening the political parties, to make them more democratic, inclusive, and responsive. This may include enforcing party discipline, promoting intra-party elections, developing party manifestos and programs, etc.
- Educating and mobilizing the voters, to make them more aware, informed, and active. This may include providing civic education, encouraging political participation, creating awareness campaigns, etc.
- Supporting and encouraging alternative and independent candidates, to make them more viable and visible. This may include providing financial and technical assistance, creating platforms and forums, forming alliances and coalitions, etc.
Hence, a political culture and democracy without electable will deliver more political stability, people participation and control of the elite capture of politics in Pakistan.
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