By Ali Haider
A lot depends on the upcoming elections taking place belatedly on Feb 8. The country is facing a myriad of complex challenges ranging from lamentable situation of the economy to the vulnerable security situation. Stability is essential for the long-term resolution of these challenges.
But the question remains, will the forthcoming polls give rise to a well-functioning and stable set-up that, in turn, makes practical efforts to provide relief to the masses? Unfortunately, the answer is not far to seek.
Even before the polls, a major political party raised reservations over the electoral process. Days before the elections, the party was stripped of its electoral symbol. The party has accused the Election Commission of Pakistan of using ham-handed tactics to sideline it amidst the institution's repeated assertion that the polls would take place squarely and fairly.
This, as a result, has exacerbated the mistrust shown by the people on the electoral process. A recent survey conducted by a major newspaper in the country has corroborated it.
According to it, the majority of the masses have expressed a not-so-hopeful view about the polls and expressed distrust over the electoral process.
The election-related paraphernalia is also not being sold compared to past practices. A shopkeeper, who sells election-related merchandise, notes that the common wave which boosts the business days before the polls is absent this time.
“Supporters of a major party have been disappointed over not getting the election symbol they wanted. This has affected sales,” he says, adding that this time, despite the announcement of the election schedule, there is an air of uncertainty. “That’s why business is slow compared to the past,” he says.
In the absence of trust, any government that comes to power will be ill-suited to take viable measures to put the country in the right direction.
Now coming to the parties that have started their electoral campaigns. The leaders of PML-N and PPP have made fiery speeches, coupled with political rhetoric that is a varied ingredient of Pakistan’s political landscape.
Both of them, however, have failed to address the challenges facing the country and offer their pragmatic solutions.
Skyrocketing inflation as well as rising poverty have made the lives of people miserable in the past few years.
The PPP has gone for the easy route: promising people millions of houses while also promising to give them free electricity units. But a practical plan on how to fulfill these promises is conspicuous by its absence.
The PML-N has used its past projects to instill in people a hope that it can do wonders again. Again, a long-term economic policy that addresses the root cause is not given by the PML-N’s leaders.
Moreover, leaders are still using the hate language that aggravates political polarisation in the country. PML-N chief organiser Maryam Nawaz went a step ahead and called the PTI a “terrorist party” when the party was robbed of its bat symbol.
“A terrorist party does not deserve to get an electoral symbol,” she said. The use of such language is uncalled for. It aggravates the polarisation.
Meanwhile, the unflinching position of the PTI founder regarding his refusal to sit with his political colleagues made matters worse. His stint in power not only sidelined opponents but also produced a society that sees only in terms of ‘us vs them’.
Instead of extending an olive branch, the contesting parties are adding fuel to the fire through their vitriolic speeches.
PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has signalled a positive approach. He has repeatedly said the PPP will not pursue the politics of revenge if it comes to power. He also added that he would not register any fake case against any politician to settle score.
This should be followed by other parties as well.