"BC Municipal Elections, Opportunity for Muslims"

As Monday was the polls-day for the Municipal elections in Ontario, I had to drive to cast my precious vote. And, upon reaching the polling station, I noticed unusual bumper to bumper traffic. After parking at a distance, I had to stand in the long lineup waiting for my turn for at least 40 minutes outside a local school designated for the purpose.

The voters’ turnout was impressively great during those particular after-work hours. The number of Muslim voters was slightly up compared to previous elections, yet it wasn’t enough to show an impressive turnout.

Fortunately, Councillor Max Khan in Oakville ON and Councillor Zeshan in Milton ON were re-elected.

There are a lot of factors adversely affecting the Muslim community in Canada: When it comes to the Canadian political system, the Muslims tend to lag behind, thus, they end up being under-represented or un-represented at all levels of government including Municipal, Provincial and the Federal.

In reality, our concerns as members of the Muslim community remain voiceless at the proper forum - most of the time for lack of representation. This attitude adds salt to the misery of Muslims in general who already have hard time coping with the ongoing Islamophobia in the country.

Furthermore, the main stream media hardly misses out any chance to hurt the Muslims’ sentiments; it never hesitates creating anti Muslim hype. This has been going on in the past and still continues. But, there is hardly anyone available to sell our side of the story which is none but innocence.

When we are blamed for the criminal wrongs committed by the unknown in proxy or otherwise, we are in trouble in the eyes of general public.

Unfairly, the non-Muslims build a negative opinion against Islam, as there is no one at the proper forum to advocate for our helplessness.

Admittedly, a large majority of Canadian Muslims seem to be politically immature while some are fearful due to their historical background, also, many Muslims suffer from laziness, hence involvement is conveniently avoided in the latter case. Consequently, the whole community remains voiceless in legislatures and the city councils.

Nevertheless, among the Muslim community, there is a lot of ongoing bickering that the authorities are not doing this or that - which does not make sense at all after what they have omitted carelessly or intentionally.

Naturally, they have to pay the price of their willful negligence. If they don’t care about the electoral system, they cannot do home work essential for evaluating credentials of the potential candidates. So they have to keep suffering. Hence, the after-shocks are irrelevant.

Furthermore, ignoring to elect the right candidate clearly means taking chances, whereas, a wrong person may end up in the electoral office. This surely is madness because you can’t have voice as said above.

Clearly, it’s only through active participation which ensures that you will be heard. Certainly, through participating you shape your world around you.

So, please be warned! If the wrong guys manage to get elected because of low turn-out, the office is likely to be occupied by the abusers. That is why, getting involved is crucially important as it means taking part as a candidate (if qualified) and exercising right of vote if so qualified.

Rightly said, “There is always light at the end of the tunnel:”

Thank God! There is some change for the better which has been noticed with regard to Muslim turn out in other locations in the recent days as mentioned above.

Furthermore, it’s encouraging to note that the Muslim youths are gradually turning towards political awakening, yet the slow pace won’t help much as there is a lot of catching up to do in order to enter the mainstream political arena.

Obviously, change of attitude is not easy, so it remains the toughest challenge for the Muslim community.

Technically speaking, it’s not only about claiming our rights as Canadian citizens but also about sharing in the responsibilities and obligations as being part of the Canadian democracy. In other words, one must share the great experiences and learn new skills that will come in handy for the ethnic and multicultural society; this includes school, work and life, of course.

The municipal election is the democratic process of selecting the City’s political representatives indeed.

 As the Municipal Elections in BC are fast approaching, let’s do our home work through thoroughly evaluating the track record of all the available candidates to help the best candidates to reach the public office.

We, as Muslims do feel that the social values and domestic policies of the current political parties fail to accurately represent and reflect our values and valid concerns. However, despite all odds, the Muslims have to struggle smartly to have their voice heard and that is through getting involved in the political system.

Most probably, the Muslims can benefit from the lower turn out of the (non Muslims) to elect the right Mayor, Trustees and the councillors.

Currently, the BC Muslims have the golden opportunity to make a meaningful difference on the outcome of the upcoming elections. But, the only way to impact on all the municipalities with regard to policies and the political scenery is only through voting for the right candidate on the basis of merit alone.

Let me stress upon the importance of an increased Muslim participation in the electoral process, as that only will help Muslims.

The qualities to be seen in the potential candidate are integrity, efficiency, dedication, motivation and the past performance. Beyond doubt, the candidates’ presentations, mayoral debates including questions and answers help the electors (audience) make the brilliant choice in the polls.

Finally, it is about time to review our reasons of inaction and remove the hurdles in order to move on along with the main stream before it’s too late.

Importantly, it’s our duty to ensure that Muslims play an active role in all upcoming elections

In the Name of Democracy

The Azadi march of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Inqillab march of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) are currently in a “sit-in mode” outside parliament house in Islamabad. The mega flood of protesters is technically in the Red Zone after removing the containers from their path. The voice continues to be “Go Nawaz Go” coming from all sides. The buildings in ‘Red Zone’ are symbol of state, hence are being protected by the army.

As alleged, the current assemblies were formed through massively rigged elections. Right from day one, the PTI has been asking for audit of four constituencies, but the prime minister and his cronies ignored the request. Their fear seems to be nothing other than their embarrassing exposure.

The PAT Chief (a non entity) has been pushing for electoral reforms, the system change and now demanding the registration of FIR against culprits of Model Town genocide where fourteen members of the PAT lost their lives, whereas, around ninety workers were brutalised and injured by a few Gulloo Butts from the police force.

The non sense operation known as Model Town genocide triggered the situation further.

Despite the triple one brigade controls the buildings in the Red Zone, Both the PTI and the PAT continue to carry out their “SIT IN” in the forbidden area - intending to trespass and storm the PM house if the PM fails to step down by Wednesday evening, whereas the PM has declared his intention to hang on to his democratic position. The defiant leaders, however, are flexible for negotiated settlement. "Situation requires patience, wisdom & sagacity from all stakeholders to resolve prevailing impasse through meaningful dialogue in larger national and public interest." (ISPR spokesperson Asim Bajwa tweets).

What goes around comes around; the tactics used by Sharif in his past long march are now being applied by PTI and PAT against him. If decision to restore a Chief Justice can be made on the roads instead of parliament house then the Sharifs should understand it. Also, during their previous tenure the Sharifs attacked the Supreme Court.

In fact, the political leadership has utterly failed to implement the democratic principles and allow human rights as provided in the constitution.
The man on the street believes that the parliamentarians are incapable of solving their problems. Because of unfair status quo, there is unfair distribution of opportunities; only 5% are the lucky ones who control 95% of total wealth.

The fake democracy (damn.o.crazy) in Pakistan has been responsible for a number of crises. The economics presents a sad picture, so does the political scenario.

Previously, the people of Pakistan were sick and tired of Zardari regime which only had played tactful games to complete its tenure with a friendly opposition of the N league and others.

Nevertheless, the alleged 2013 election fraud, incompetence and corruption led by the N league made it worst for the public to find basic needs. The 3rd time prime minister Sharif brought more misery for the Pakistani silent majority of 180 million.

Since the ruling Mafia, in the name of democracy commits fraud, the Sharifs are under pressure from PTI and the PAT.

PTI chief Imran Khan (stakeholder) and PAT chief Tahirul Qadri (non Stakeholder) have separately played their cards; both leaders have shown the kind of street support they command. Imran Khan came out as he has been waiting for the courts to force the Sharifs for audit in four constituencies and there is no relief as yet.

Demand of electoral reforms and formation of independent election commission are genuine demands. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif can’t simply resign a year after winning an election, but being involved in Model Town murder of 14 people, he has to step down for the justice system to work freely.

Currently, the protesters are in front of Parliament in D CHOWK despite the presence of Park army.

 In general, the PM’s resignation and dissolution of assemblies remain part of demands

Some argue that it’s only a national government that can bring electoral reforms and administrative reforms which is in the best interest of Pakistan.

The problem is Nawaz Sharif has learnt nothing from his two previous incomplete tenures, most probably, he is a good business man who is devoid of political expedience.

Democracy in its present form has failed repeatedly in Pakistan not because of army interventions but due to the selfish political elite that wanted to maintain the status quo for their personal advantage.
In a parliamentary democracy, the first priority should be to bring about deep seated modifications where candidates are allowed to contest for a seat in the assembly. They must be highly qualified persons of utmost integrity well known for their contribution to the society.

More administrative based provinces will facilitate the public.

However, a presidential system of democracy rather than the British parliamentary system of democracy would be more suitable. A presidential form of government like that of the U.S. is less expensive.

Democracy in a country can’t flourish unless the feudalism is outlawed; the feudal mentality is to manipulate the system by buying votes through coercion. These chains of slavery must be broken through education, science, technology and innovation so that a strong middle class can emerge.

Good development: The neutrality of Pak army is praiseworthy; this would help democracy to flourish.

Both leaders are ready for negotiation; Imran Khan has backed off from his earlier rhetoric of storming the prime minister house. Yet, he reiterates the dialogue would fail unless Nawaz steps down. The “sit in” would continue until talks are successful. Both Imran Khan and Allama Dr Tahirul Qadri have been rightly stating that democracy will not work in Pakistan without proper changes in the electoral system which ensures that only the brightest and those with unquestionable integrity come into power.

A highly competitive and transparent merit based system needs to be incorporated to ensure honest and professional governance for stopping Pakistan from slipping deeper into a state of uncertainty.

Quest for Revolution

Sheikh ul Islam Professor Dr. Tahir ul Qadri (TUQ) of Minhaj ul Qur’an said in his video-linked presser, ‘I am returning to Pakistan on June 23 for the sake of the 200 million Pakistanis, and risking my life.’ While explaining the purpose of his visit, he said, ‘Revolution is the only way out of the problems facing the country.’ What is the revolution about? His explanation was, ‘the revolution will end monopoly of a few families on power, include one million people in decision-making, devolve powers to the grass-roots and enforce the Constitution of Pakistan in its true spirit.’

How can we ignore that the current government was elected under the 1973 Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on which all political parties were on board?  Question of toppling a democratic government is beyond comprehension. In fact, a few years back, the judicial activism blocked all avenues leading to adventurous toppling.

However, a drastic change in the constitution is still pending to accommodate the total elimination of malpractice, exploitation, oppression, injustice and the corruption in all forms express or implied.

Unfortunately, the PPP or the PML-N haven’t been able to deliver as required, which is why the dual national –Canadian of Pakistani origin Mr.TUQ is back to Pakistan for the second time in order to right the wrongs.

Angrily, he asked, if what happened in Model Town is democracy, “Our revolution is where children of the poor could get education and employment, our revolution is elimination of poverty,” he said. “Awami Tehreek’s revolution is democratic and constitutional.”

Originally, the trouble started when the Punjab police carried out “operation nonsense,” around TUQ’s residence in Model Town Lahore where many of TUQ’s-loyalists lost their lives, while many were seriously injured.

Secondly, diversion of TUQ’s plane created chaos. Thank God, Governor Punjab Ch. Sarwar Husaain did his magic to diffuse the crisis and TUQ finally disembarked at Allama Iqbal international Airport, otherwise a case of hijacking could have been filed by the Emirates Air line and upon conviction his returning to Canada would have been jeopardized.

Wisdom is choosing the right time for the right move: In view of operation zarb-e-azb, Mr.TUQ chose the wrong timing. Pakistan is at war with terrorists in Waziristan. Thus, the whole nation must be on one page supporting the Pak military to avoid any unpleasant surprise against the State. An extreme caution is the key to cope with delicacy of the sensitive matter.

The political differences/democracy issues can always be dealt with amicably later on.

With regard to TUQ’s arrival in Islamabad, the government has actually overreacted due to fear and other reservations. The plane should have been allowed to land. Diverting the flight to Lahore is quite irksome causing international mockery against the country. The silly show off was witnessed across the globe; exchanging of rhetoric attitude between TUQ and the government caused a lot of discomfort.

TUQ’s publicity-generating plan was to land at Islamabad, and then lead his convoy to Lahore, from where he was planning to lead his self-proclaimed green revolution.

Basically, Dr. Qadri appears to be well determined to fight off the prevalent unfair system of governance as it works in favour of the elite who can afford to spend a large chunk of cash and resources on their election campaigns. The system lets them indulge in rigging, and sneak into the assemblies by even getting a low percentage of cast votes in their constituencies. The system is also prone to rigging on a massive scale and even ballot stuffing are among a few of the norms. One may call TUQ’s approach as non-democratic shortcut to true democracy or wrong approach towards unconstitutional power transfer, yet the fact is the ‘have-nots’ of Pakistan are fed up with the stinky system, so is TUQ who has been dreaming for a fair election system aimed at bringing in the true democracy based only on a reformed electoral system.

Surprisingly, TUQ isn’t even considering the current development whereby the National Assembly has unanimously passed a motion on June 23, 2014 - authorising the speaker to constitute a parliamentary committee on electoral reforms. The committee will present its recommendations within three months.
Indeed, this one is a positive development because it underlines the fact that almost all the stakeholders acknowledge the need for reforms in the present electoral system and its replacement with an arrangement that guarantees free, fair and transparent elections in the country.

As a citizen of Canada, TUQ is ineligible to be a candidate in Pakistan general elections and has no real stake in the country. It seems as if elections are not what he seeks. What happens next is unclear too. Mr.TUQ like all patriotic Pakistanis wants to see Pakistan as a real welfare state, but due to the ongoing war emergency, all parties, especially the party in power, must proceed with absolute caution to survive the critical situation.

To correct the stinky system, the best avenue is one leading to the parliament house where the objection/complaint can be moved with respect to changing the system because otherwise the undemocratic means would further isolate Pakistan from the rest of the World. Let’s hope TUQ doesn’t take a U Turn and returns to Canada leaving his job unfinished.

On the contrary, the government is already saying TUQ can leave Pakistan only under law implying he will have to face the music as does Musharraf being on the ECL. It clearly means on account of twin cities incidents, TUQ and his followers will have to face the inevitable consequences of a lot of criminal as well as civil cases.

Conclusion:

No doubt, Pakistan’s elected leadership is the principal custodian of the democratic project and its transition to democracy. Thus, democracy will only be strengthened if the custodians demonstrate restraint and unflinchingly adhere to the law and the Constitution. And, those interested in the politics of protest must stay within the ambit of constitution whole heartedly in the best interest of Pakistan.