Electoral Reforms, the Only Way Out

(google.ca)

With the exception of a few, the majority of Pakistanis continue to be the sole victim of fake democracy. Although, the stubborn “status quo forces” benefit from it, yet they don’t care about miserable condition of the suffering majority.

Probably, the “imitation democracy” is to blame for having wiped out the middle class from the national scene.

Sadly, the surviving majority lives below poverty line only to moan with pain of poverty; this class faces terrible living conditions.

Nevertheless, the ailing system of governance appears to be the mother of all ills.

Under the cloak of democracy, the power addicted mafia (political vampires), struggles to keep erecting financial empires at will.

In other words, the ruling elite including members of the official opposition are always after grabbing the political office regardless of merit. Some members of this elite class are notoriously remembered for their oppressive behaviour towards “the have-nots.” Yet, it doesn’t end here, as these selfish vultures mainly focus on stealing the public exchequer and other resources.

If such is the case, it’s simply a matter of chronic condition of selfish behaviour; this can simply be classified as “untreatable” unless a large scale revolution occurs, sooner the better.

Some other factors include the curse of feudalism and hypocrisy at different levels; they do create major hurdles blocking the smooth running of fair practices both in public and private sectors.

Better Late than Never: The common people are getting active by coming out on the streets to start a journey from ‘revolution to evolution’ of real democracy. It’s a sure way for achieving the targeted democratic process in place.

According to News channels, there was a tremendous response to the calls made by Imran Khan and Tahir ul Qadri on May 11 for anti rigging rally and for the electoral reforms respectively. That’s a sign of political maturity in the making.

Absolutely, a fair political system would be a blessing for all, because everyone enjoys the fruits in the form of better opportunities and equal rights under the constitution and there is rule of law.

Last Sunday was the day to commemorate the first anniversary of rigged general elections of May 11, 2013 when the country ended up with sham parliament (the fake democracy) as usual. But, there comes a point where the patience gets exhausted.

Among others, Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) were out rallying around against the never ending cycle of massive exploitation to the “dis-advantaged majority.”

Last year, there were complaints against rigging; the cases were filed with the Election Commission and with the honourable courts, but all in vain.

Of course, the disputed election results leave a big question mark on the authenticity of the election process.

By the way: The election related cases pending adjudication before the courts for so long means “justice delayed is justice denied.” Indeed, the ills of selective justice and the partiality displayed by the Election commission are unacceptable.

Furthermore, the PTI leadership gave more than enough time to the Judiciary and finally came out in the open asking for justice. It blames the Election Commission and the ROs (the returning officers) for the massive rigging.

Obviously, the judiciary haven’t responded swiftly with regard to the electoral issues. PTI have been hawkingly stressing upon the need of recount and authenticating of voters’ thumb impressions in four pin-pointed constituencies in question.

Thank God! The ‘anti rigging rallies’ were peaceful and orderly.

Remember! The enemy of Pakistan takes advantage of any weak spot produced by sub standard governance, attitude of some members of the media and even the judiciary.

The attempts of character assassination of political personality or tarnishing the image of military and intelligence service are matters of real concern indeed.

Recently, the intense concocted reporting against the national institution is something very serious in nature.

Furthermore, as the insecure common people are left on their own, they tend to come out voicing their concerns on the streets. In short, Pakistan’s main problem is the oppressive behavior of the powerful denying the basic rights to the powerless oppressed.

The parliaments based on stolen mandate are nothing other than a major disappointment because their members are more interested to secure their own agendas.

Technically speaking, there is no democracy when the poor people continue to suffer, while the elite class continues to prosper by leaps and bounds. And, the people also wonder as to how did the ‘party in power’ manage to obtain the ‘restraining order’ from the court, if it hadn’t rig the elections as claimed?

Isn’t there something fishy behind the removal of the NADRA chief?

Even a layman can easily figure out what would be the consequences if one ruins the electoral system and is in violation of the constitution under normal circumstances where parliament is genuine and the government respects the merit system. Simply speaking, the rule of thumb is if anti Pakistan activity is said to have been committed it is punishable under article 6 and a few other articles. Furthermore, applying article 63(g) will be a major blow to the selfish elite. Without punishing the criminals and paving the way for a democratic order there can’t be real economic prosperity.

There is no doubt that the electoral reforms are needed desperately to wipe out corruption at all levels.

Also, the real essence of democracy is said to exist when people are really entitled to choose whoever they want without any pressure or coercion or fear of reprisal.

It’s crystal clear that the dynastic politics cannot bring the true essence of democracy as some families tend to remain in power merely taking turns, while the friendly opposition adds further to mockery of democracy.

Though many people don’t exactly know what democracy is, yet at the same time it would be easier to stick to the famous proverb, “I know it when I see it.”

Most importantly, all those who have invested their capital abroad but keep their political links with Pakistan are not sincere enough to be patriotic. They must be persuaded to look after Pakistan first. 
The problem is the selfishness, where love of wealth surpasses love of country.

Reality of the "Wasted Five Year Term"

Despite the horrible misrule by the Pakistan People’s Party, President Asif Ali Zardari has been tenaciously working day and night on his manipulative strategy to encourage “alliance of convenience” (marriage-of-convenience) with multiple political partners. The alliance actually did pave the way for the party to survive constitutionally right till the end.

At least this time, the democracy has been given a free hand by the military, the judiciary, the civil society and the media. National Assembly has already been dissolved, while the provincial ones are still in the final process of winding up.

Upon digging history, one finds that there have been numerous unsuccessful attempts aimed at derailing the newly born independent state of Pakistan since 1949. General Ayub khan succeeded in taking over the reins of the country in 1958 usurping the 1956 constitution of Pakistan. Then Gen. Yahya preyed upon the vulnerable nation. And after the fall of East Pakistan in 1971, the West Pakistan province became  Pakistan (crippled one)  followed by the civil martial law under Mr Z. A. Bhutto, founder of Pakistan People’s Party.

As civilian Chief Martial Law Administrator (dictator) Mr. Bhutto went on a “Nationalizing spree” countrywide - snatching all major corporations/industries under the banner of his “Islami Socialism.”

Then comes Gen. Zia-ul-Haq in 1977, he suspends the constitution, dismantles the assemblies, arrests and hangs Mr Bhutto on murder charges despite the poor evidence against the deposed Prime minister. Zia remained a powerful dictator with his iron fist till his death in1988 air crash.

Subsequently, successive civil regimes faced another tough round of “on and off” mode. The governments of Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif went through their incomplete terms due to mis-governance charges.

All of a sudden, Gen Musharraf shows up to abrogate the constitution arresting the elected Prime Minister Mr Nawaz Sharif.

President General Musharraf, the last military dictator ruled the country from 1999 to 2008.

A disappointing but the steady governance during 2008-2013 was a different experiment altogether, where a civil government has manoeuvred to continue for the whole term, however, shrewd Zardari and his regime under Prime Minister Gilani and later under Prime Minister Raja Ashraf miserably failed to deliver.

But the factor of “pro democracy unanimity” played a pivotal role, as the stronger media, the super active apex judiciary, politically aware civil society, politicians and the military have been on the same page to give democracy a free hand. In other words, the ‘joint will’ is absolutely necessary to produce democratic maturity for Pakistan in the years ahead.

Nevertheless, completing the term is only the first step in the right direction, yet mismanaging the country’s affairs during five years amounts to wasting of nation’s precious time and resources.

And instead of being remorseful for not fulfilling their obligation of delivery to the nation, the outgoing rulers are tirelessly busy celebrating completion of the darkest era which was nothing other than the “sub standard governance” full of administrative paralysis.

A brief recap:

1. Gross domestic product (GDP) dropped significantly from 8% to 4%.
2. The demand for Pakistani goods dropped and investment flows dried up, adversely affecting Pak industries.
3. The masses are now buried under a mountain of foreign debt load which increased from $45 billion in 2008 to over $65 billion in 2012.
4. The past five years have been a major disappointment for the electorate. The PPP regime failed to recognise its responsibility to create a friendly environment for commerce where the youth could earn living. 
5. The promised Roti, kapra aur makan never actually happened.
6. During the final days, the rulers’ corruption and nepotism was sky high which crossed all boundaries; they doled out billions of public money without a trace, and ignored merit system while appointing jialaas against sensitive positions.
7. Hardly cooperated with the judiciary.
8. Maybe, the democracy (PPP’s version) is the best revenge in the form of rampant corruption, hyper-inflation, extensive power outages, gas shortages, ethnicity strife, wide spread sectarianism, chronic law and order condition, and the consistent defiance of the apex court’s verdicts.

Beyond doubt, the ruling PPP and its multiple partners went all the way to the end employing multiple maneuvers but left the office without any substantive accomplishments. Miraculously, the democracy survived in spite of disappoiting performance of the regime. (Tribune pakistan)

Since the nation cannot afford another era of democracy marked with corruption, misrule, favoritism, plunder and insecurity, so they must look for of leaders not rulers for a positive social change and for economic prosperity on urgent basis.

The next general elections give an opportunity to the honest and competent politicians to rebuild this great country by improving the law and order situation and making everyone accountable under law.

And, the voters should make the right electoral choices without any fear of reprisals and elect only those candidates who enjoy utmost integrity and who are competent enough to deliver sincerely to make the country going again under a genuine democracy.