"Status Quo Friendly" Pak Polls

It’s estimated that 36 million electors out of the 86 million were newly registered, and 60 per cent turnout of voters is surely a significant sign that people are sick and tired of the stinky status quo of bad governance and rampant corruption.

Unfortunately, Imran Khan’s political tsunami has bypassed the whole country, yet it reached the North, where the residents seriously welcomed the “anti status quo” tsunami. Miraculously, the Pashtun population succeeded in protecting its mandate from getting stolen.

If the PTI makes the next government in the province of KP, it would have five years to do the repair and present a model to the rest of the country. This province is also blessed with natural resources, oil, gas, coal reserves, and huge hydropower potential.

Bringing peace will surely attract foreign investors to the province ushering in a new era of prosperity under the PTI government for people of the province.

Sadly, election 2013 was a day of massive rigging -specifically in Punjab and Sindh, because according to convincing evidence there was a negative scenario where the turnout even exceeded 100% reaching 300% suggesting nothing but a ballot stuffing illegality.

Among the other severe scenarios were the voting at gun point, violence, and other intended clerical irregularities encouraging “incomplete-vote-casting” aimed at adding to unacceptable ballots in order to give unfair benefit to the vested interests.

Despite all this, the Pakistan Muslim League (N) went ahead delivering its “acceptance speech” and announced Nawaz Sharif as its new Prime Minister, wonderful!

Just imagine the over-excited winners didn’t even wait for the official announcement by the Election Commission of Pakistan. And, congratulations already started pouring in from foreign lands-wow!

Furthermore, the Media hype and TV channels’ announcing results before the “voting-time-deadline” was a little bit too much, as that amounts to manipulation through robbing the independent thoughts of the electors. Obviously, if the “political free will” gets compromised this way, then where is the free and fair election?

Having emerged as a winner party, the PML-N faces a lot of tough challenges ahead.

Rescuing the drowning economy, tailoring foreign relations in the best interests of Pakistan are quite difficult ones.

And, dealing with three different provincial governments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Baluchistan will not be that easy either.

Since the PML(N) has rich repeaters who have wealth of experience as well, certainly, there will be a strategy in place. However, prioritizing the targets will still be needed.

Starting with correcting the electricity shortage as number one priority, the new regime will have to fix terrorism and the law and order situation to revive the economic health of the country on a faster track.

Furthermore, for facilitating effective governance, a reasonably tailored cabinet is urgently needed for delivery to the impatient public whose tolerance level seems to be around zero.

The problem is when it comes to appointing Ministers, accommodating party office bearers and political allies will be a real fun for Nawaz Sharif unless he plays political maneuver skilfully.

Question is whether the PML (N) is going to eliminate the status quo of VIP culture and other corruption culture as well as disallow a lavish spending on privileges to the parliamentarians and the office bearers. Answer is “no” because change of mindset can’t be expected at this point in time.

Tradition of Rigging: No matter what, generally greed becomes the motivating factor overtaking one’s conscience; hence the evil leads the contestants to win by hooks or by crooks. Many videos can be viewed on social network confirming rigging of the polls.

On the other hand, PTI leaders claim the party would emerge victorious if free and fair re-election is conducted in NA-250. PTI supporters in Lahore demanded a transparent re-election in NA-122 and NA-125.

While the senior PTI leader Hamid Khan said he would lodge a complaint with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) against election rigging across Punjab. “We will not allow those who stole our mandate to live peacefully,” he said while talking to participants of the sit-in. He claimed the results were changed in many constituencies and maintains that PML-N did carry out rigging across Punjab. Also, the PTI Chairperson has already demanded a fresh re-count of the votes in the disputed constituencies.

So far, the ECP has decided to go ahead with re-election in NA 250 on 19 May.
Painful reality remains - either the morally bankrupt politicians are blind and cannot learn from the consequences faced by the past wrongdoers, or they don’t give a damn to ethical values; thus prefer ignoring the rules, law and the constitution.

Again, the protesters are out there on the streets doing limited sit-ins against the massive rigging in the recent elections. In central and rural Punjab the same reports are emerging.

Failure of the ECP is sad of course. If the army and rangers were deployed in sensitive areas, then what did stop them from moving against the culprits?

Currently, the country is going through tough financial problems of its own, and IMF installment is due soon so it cannot bear the cost of re-election. But, there is a positive effect  of May 11 Pak election on the stock market. Furthermore, Nawaz Sharif’s visit to Imran Khan in the hospital is positive news in the right direction.

The lessons learnt from the said election exercise are useful for improvement.

Indeed with time comes the political and democratic maturity

Issue of Turnout

Pakistani Canadians residing in British Columbia are currently in a state of emotional discomfort as the general elections in Pakistan and provincial election in British Columbia are hardly three days apart.

Those voting in Pakistan general elections cannot return to Canada on time as many hours of flight time and jet lag would most probably disable them from becoming active enough to participate in the election process in British Columbia on May14.

Similarly, the British Columbians of Pakistani origin cannot elect any politician to the provincial and national assembly of Pakistan, as no system is in place to allow distance voting from abroad.

On the contrary, many people just don't bother voting as they are devoid of the needed political sense. It’s the “political awareness/will” that makes much of a difference for sake of common national interest.

The ignoring attitude towards politics is one of the factors responsible for keeping the turnout lower.

The past experience shows that the voter turnout tends to be lowest among the youth, the illiterates and the poor.

When the contestants are of no integrity, and the political parties fail to persuade the potential voters with their platform or manifesto, the turnout is bound to be low. Eventually, ‘trust deficit’ develops due to non delivery by the politicians during their tenure in public office. This scenario keeps the voters away from casting their ballot.

Nevertheless, low voter turnout is good for the insincere and inefficient politicians. That simply means the flawed democratic system doesn’t reflect the interests of all citizens. And, the low turnout cannot be other than some kind of political strategy where the political parties intentionally keep the voters away from ballot boxes using negative ads against the opponents.

The practice of demoralizing through criticising their leaders is meant to change opinions of the potential opposition supporters (voters).

In fact, some stakeholders are interested to control the media, and they also finance the political parties of their choice just to carry on with their dirty politics of fear aimed at dividing the electorate.

The fact is election does provide an opportunity to the people to voice their free opinion and make their needs known under the law and the constitution of the land. Truth is our vote is our voice, thus we must be heard, loud and clear.

“Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.” ― Abraham Lincoln

Indeed, the youth of today are more knowledgeable and better connected regardless of ethnic background. They are also more adaptable to progressive change. Surely, they have a positive role to play for their better future.

Using the election route is the best opportunity to filter out the rogue politicians and pick up just the good elite only. Obviously, the cheaters/repeaters stand no chance as they are rejected through free and fair ballot process. But if the crooks still make it through the lack of vigilance on the part of voters or through using pressure tactics, then they have their own hidden agenda instead of serving the constituents.

That’s why; the voters must reject the dishonest candidates without fear of reprisals.

The dirty politicians can’t be allowed to play racial ethnicity or using religion in order to create confusion or otherwise manipulate the voters.

The people, wherever they are, they must use their “democratic vote power” to oust coercion, manipulation, discrimination in any form including Islamophobia and the dirty politics.

Just the honest and capable candidates should be voted in to allow a healthy democratic process at all levels including provincial and the national ones.

Since the youth of today are leaders of tomorrow; they must come out and exercise their right of vote.

An overhaul of the flawed system can address the issue of lower turnout.

Unfairness towards Pakistanis expatriates: It’s extremely frustrating that more than four million forgotten patriotic Pakistanis (expats) have to live abroad for economic reasons. Despite their marvellous economic contribution through remittances, they are excluded from the electoral process for no fault of theirs.

In this regard, the supreme court of Pakistan recently pointed out that the Pakistani community based overseas was extremely eager to vote.

A three member bench headed by the CJP Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry heard the case pertaining to giving overseas Pakistanis the right to vote. The ECP has already unanimously decided that the federation of Pakistan would propose the required legislation to give overseas Pakistanis the right to vote, adding that it was not possible to provide the facility for the upcoming general elections. (Pak Channels).

Of course, many expats take keen interest in Pakistan; they donated generously during times of floods & earthquakes. They support Pakistani charities and make the national economy running through remittances. If such is the case, they deserve to be entitled to vote too. Unfortunately, the expats cannot vote in the upcoming election without a temporary legislation in place.

The ground reality about Pakistan is “the rising election fever grips Pakistan, so does the terrorism.” Under the circumstances, many potential voters would prefer to stay indoors to avoid risk to their lives. The election commission of Pakistan (ECP) says, “The candidates should be provided with an atmosphere in which they can conduct their campaigns without any fear.” The ECP is concerned over the attacks on election offices and candidates. The expected Poll Day violence poses serious threat to the voting public.

As expected, the presence of Pak army troops would encourage a high voter turnout and that can easily produce a good legislature in the federation and in all provinces as well. The expats may contribute further by convincing their loved ones back home to fully participate in the electoral process on May 11, so that the people friendly governments and the legislatures are formed.

It’s about time for the British Columbians and for the Pakistanis to keep awake and be vigilant when it comes to holding the candidates accountable through vote on May 11 (Pak elections) and May 14 (B.C. elections) respectively.

A positive environment consisting of educated and politically aware people is a must to generate the best voter turnout.

Ballot Ready Multicultural British Columbia

Canada is called a country of immigrants which is also famous for its unique multicultural fabric. Despite the difficulties, the migrants (economic or political) tend to evolve sooner or later to an unfamiliar environment.

During the period of their adaptation, they begin to understand very well about the ground realities (in common) and the difference between their country of origin and Canada clearly. That helps them become familiar with what is similar in other communities. After obtaining the desired comfort level, they feel ready to celebrate their diversity, pick and choose as they desire. So this enhances their unique lifestyle further, indeed.

Let’s remember, it’s the “communication” which is one of the main keys to determine whether the people can live in harmony. Surely, being able to communicate ones culture to others brings good ‘end results.’ The better standards so achieved open door for everyone to live comfortably with peace and honor.

Simply speaking, the immigrants have to go through a number of phases to become citizens of Canada with voting rights. Time comes when political arena attracts them, so they love to participate as voters or as candidates depending on their level of achievements and abilities.

 

But before that happens, there are some other “pre-requisites” that need to be fulfilled satisfactorily of course! For example, the element of higher tolerance level among the members of various ethnic backgrounds is immensely vital in producing “productive only” citizens.

Beyond doubt, a tolerant multicultural society is the backbone of healthy political atmosphere necessary for stronger economy.



(image from cbc.ca)

The real beauty is the majority of members of such multicultural society never hesitate to respect each others’ values and many of them prefer peace over trouble.

Apart from the politics, all are allowed to enjoy his/her language, dress, food, religion, and customs and there is no persecution or fear of reprisals like that of countries of origin.

Politically motivated or not, every new Canadian is expected of learning the dominant language (English or French or both) and is supposed to be living by the rule of law for the benefit of all.

The women and children love to live a life in peace with security which is better available in Canada as compared to their back home unjust culture.

When it comes to B.C. multicultural community, they are admired to have contributed greatly to the rich diversity of the province. This signifies that the substantial advantages of a multicultural society outweigh the disadvantages because of the effective communication and higher degree of tolerance level amongst the members of the multicultural population.

So peace and harmony is helped by the improved attitude of people who practised higher level of tolerance encouraging mutual respect amongst the members of multicultural society. Regardless of color, gender or ethnicity, Canada provides freedom to everyone.

On the contrary, lack of communication leads to paranoia, confusion, segregation in a multicultural society. The negative attitude generates hatred and confusion. Specifically, Islamophobia keeps upsetting the innocent Muslim population. A multicultural society is at a disadvantage if the society looses tolerance and respect at whatever stage.

Initially, the people emigrating from different cultural backgrounds do experience a certain level of discomfort while taking part in the Canadian politics. Probably, some may face hurdles in transferring their back home political skills to the mainstream Canadian political process.



IMAGE SOURCE: GOOGLE.CA

 According to Elections Canada, lower voter participation among younger Canadians has been widely documented, because the average age of visible minority groups is lower than that of the white population.

The upcoming May 14 B.C. Provincial Elections has a number of political contestants who are working day and night in their pursuit to become members of Legislative Assembly.

In fact, the province enjoys its diverse cultural mosaic mainly because of its variety of languages, traditions and ethnic cultures. The mutuality of understanding, acceptance, and respect generates social, economic, and political activity. Also, the vibrancy of multiculturalism seen in B.C. is specifically impressive.

Regardless of the rules of game, the battling NDP played its own tricks by releasing the leaked memos concerning Liberal tactics in targeting ethnic voters. According to the various media reporting, the B.C. Liberal’s “ethnic vote plan” for an easy win has leaked. Apparently, the Liberals’ strategy to target ethnic voters has backfired proving to be suicidal, as it has pushed them closer to their own disaster.

Due to the current credibility gap, the B.C. Liberals face another tough challenge. How far the Liberals can go for healing the wound before the upcoming election is not predictable at this stage, yet miracles can always happen.

But on the other side, though the NDP has an upper hand, yet its reluctance to follow up such gains by presenting a detailed platform of its own is thought provoking, while the BC Conservatives are firing off “platform statements” every other day.

And, the British Columbians are fast getting fed up even to the extent of losing faith in the B.C. politicians. The NDP leaders can’t reap benefits of Liberal’s scandal, unless they step up their own efforts to win the votes.

The foreign-born Canadians are less likely to go for ballot when compared to Canadian born population. Non seriousness of the ethnic communities causes a declining voter turnout.

The Multicultural society of British Columbia has a lot of catching up to do with respect to exercising their constitutional right of vote for choosing the honest and sincere people to the parliament who can deliver.

Alert Voters Elect Competent Parliament

The upcoming May 11 is set for accountability of the politicians, when people will choose the next government through general elections. The voting public will be out there electing the right or wrong candidates for the national and provincial assemblies' seats in Pakistan. Currently, politicking is heating up throughout the country. A large number of contesting political parties have jumped into the arena to begin electoral campaign.

In the past five years, the country’s economy has almost shattered beyond any easy fix, while many entrepreneurs and top professionals have already abandoned the country. Due to the sub-standard governance and the administrative paralysis, those involved in looting the public money have been able to sneak out of the country without difficulty and consequently the national exchequer has almost bottomed out. Naturally, all responsible politicians will have to face the music on the election day.

Regardless of the questionable legitimacy of the last democratic regimes (federal and provincial), the five year term of 2008-2013 was the darkest era in the history of Pakistani politics. A coalition government was arranged through the most notorious black law called ‘National Reconciliation Ordinance’ (NRO), whereby the top leadership of various political parties was pardoned of any previous wrong doing pertaining to loan defaults or any other law breaking activity. The leaders of MQM, ANP, Q league and the PPP were among the major beneficiaries. Thus, NRO infected regime didn’t meet the eligibility requirement of “integrity and a strong will to deliver.”  Was there a fair ballot or a clear winner? I doubt it.

All know that  President of pakistan  was focussed on to cementing the ties between multiple partners in the “fragile coalition,” while the “friendly opposition” did much of the trick.

Most probably, the same crooks are again involved in planning “pre-poll rigging” as most of the stolen money is set aside for the dirty purpose. Other headache is that the voter fraud in Karachi stands intact, and it’s almost impossible for the Election Commission to touch the big wigs of major parties.

Since Pakistan is going through a chronic chaos in its socio-economic and political realm, patriotic Pakistanis including the ordinary ones are naturally awaiting for a miraculous positive change.  However, they don’t completely appreciate the essence of democracy; hence are unaware of the sensitivity about the diligent choice of candidates based on merit. Thus, there is a major responsibility on the part of everyone when it comes to decide with due care about electing the most deserving candidate.

And, the electors are obligated to stand up in order to fight off any threat as well as repulsing any undue pressures from the powerful corrupt mafia. Bottom line is the public is fed up with the current despotic system.

Apparently, the voters are constitutionally protected to exercise their right of vote the way they want. So it’s perfectly okay to resist “pressure tactics” from the corrupt mafia. This clearly means a green signal to vote freely without fearing any reprisals. But the question is whether this is workable – the answer simply is “no” because of the stupid age old “slavery system” in rural areas where the population is not allowed to utter a word or move an inch without pre-approval of powerful sardar, feudal lord or jagirdar etc.

There is need of imparting knowledge among the villagers about their legal rights so that they don’t feel retarded when it comes to copping with the negative ground reality.

In fact, emotional/physical enslavement of the poor rural population is on account of the parallel system in remote rural areas where the vaderas, sardars or the feudals punish the locals, chain them and imprison them in their private jails and torture cells. Pathetic!

These are a few stinky examples of “a state within state” in the rural areas. No government ever tried to remedy the criminal mindset. Hence, the slavery and oppression goes on without interruption.

Though the party leaders tend to make tall claims about the decency of their future delivery, yet there is no guarantee.

N league talks about bringing an economic revolution including a bullet train from Karachi to Peshawar (7 hours) and their promise of more road connections.

Being the anti status quo party, the PTI has seven points so far to attract the audience. Mr Khan has shown his 'tsunami plus' aimed at crushing the corruption and taking care of power shortage within five years and the best one among his package is elimination of "rich-poor gap." He claims to provide the nation with equality and policy of merit system.

Since the political engineering works not for the politically immature, the country is in need of a genuine coverage from the military and the independent apex judiciary under the constitution of Pakistan for bringing all the loot back to the public exchequer from the foreign banks.

Furthermore, feudal and dynastic politics has no place in the 21st century, so let’s get rid of the nonsense, sooner the better. With improved literacy level, better educational opportunities, a genuine opposition in the parliament and strengthening of national institutions our dream of democracy will come true where all citizens are treated equally with respect.

Since the ballot, not the bullet, is the solution to all Balochistan issues, a positive development is that Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) Chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal has joined the mainstream political race for the upcoming election. 

 

An atmosphere of level playing field is essential for evolving a genuine democracy. In order to bring the country back on the track of prosperity, we have to reject nepotism and bi-standards and protect education and commerce sectors. Pre poll rigging in any form bears consequences, and rejection through elections is the best tool to keep the corrupt and incompetent politicians out of parliament.