ISLAMABAD: Notwithstanding rigging charges and sit-ins here and there, Elections 2013 are over and the Pakistani nation has all the reasons to rejoice on two counts; firstly, the people defied threats by terrorists and came out in large numbers to vote and, secondly, the results indicate establishment of a stable government in the centre, defying most of the analysts who were of the opinion that there would be a split mandate, hung parliament and weak government, vulnerable to intrigues by different stake-holders.
Though leaders of the main political parties have accepted the mandate and are all set to form governments in the centre and provinces, yet barring PML(N) most are alleging rigging in elections and making demands which might sabotage the entire electoral process. Imran Khan has already demanded verification of thumb impressions in certain NA seats by Nadra. If carried out, given our political culture, discrepancies would be there and results may lead to a chain reaction, most demanding verification of thumb impressions in their respective constituencies. Such an undertaking would surely undermine the entire electoral process, letting down the masses and diminishing their hope in democracy.
Can we afford time to go through the ordeal and derail the process, especially when regional and international environment favour a stable Pakistan, is a question which our political leadership must ponder, especially when no substantial change in the outcome of elections is anticipated, if we survive the undertaking.
We all know that ISAF / US forces are to complete draw-down of their forces from Afghanistan by end year 2014 and most of their weapons / equipment worth billions of US dollars would have to pass through Pakistan. For its smooth passage, two pre-requisites must be ensured; Firstly, a stable Pakistan and, secondly, governments in the centre and KPK by political parties who could interact with Taliban for causing least interruptions in the move back. As such, for the international community, especially USA, the out-come of elections is a dream come true with NS in the centre and PTI in KPK, both for whom Taliban have soft corner. In this backdrop, we are likely to see substantial international support to keep Pakistan stable, at least till end year 2014, and a patient hearing by USA to demands, such as, not to use drones unilaterally.
Thus, despite the fact that in the last five years the PPP-lead coalition has played havoc with the country and put economy in shambles, NS government is likely to get a head-start due to regional environment and international support, thereof. Though he may have to take certain hard decisions to put economy back on track and, on the political front, deal with Zardari, playing the ‘Sindh Card’ and majority in Senate to retain presidency, yet support of international players would be readily forthcoming.
With the establishment, NS will have to tread a cautious line, absorb what all is happening on Western Front and then take decisions as head of executive and not with a mind-set of an opposition leader. He must bear in mind that Pakistanis have paid a very heavy price in pursuit of a strategy, whereby, the foreign forces are now withdrawing from Afghanistan, with India nowhere to be seen in the end-game. He must also remain cognizant of the fact that 2nd tier US leadership and think tank are openly blaming Pakistan Army / ISI for their defeat in Afghanistan. Such a stance has repercussions for Pakistan, though there is not much they can do at a stage when they require Pakistan Army’s support to ensure smooth draw down of their forces.
As for PPP, they lost miserably not because the Taliban did not let them campaign but because of their poor performance. They failed to deliver and suffered, as simple as that. It’s time for them to carry out appraisal of their performance in last five years, take corrective measures and perform in Sindh. The analogy that ‘elections are won by money and not performance’ has backfired now and will in future. If they must re-enter Pakistan’s political arena, performance would be the key.
Though PTI could have secured a few more seats, in my view, the position it has attained is a blessing in disguise. Firstly, some of Imran Khan’s policies are unrealistic and during campaigning, he had made promises as per public perceptions which he could not possibly fulfil at the central government level e.g withdrawal of forces from FATA and Baluchistan, shooting down of drones, education policy, election of SHO by villagers, etc. He had declared that he would not ally with anybody to form the government but already we see that he is making a coalition government, conceding important ministries, such as education and finance, to JI. So, in fact, IK has been saved from a lot of embarrassment getting fewer seats than his expectations. Now he will get time to mature his policies in KPK and may be next few years he is in a position to form government in the centre.
Thus, Elections 2013 is best news for everybody, barring elements who want to destabilize the country and do not see democracy taking its roots. The regional and international environments also present a unique opportunity to our political leadership to take the country out of the present predicament. It’s time for them to display political maturity and grasp the given opportunities, instead of wasting further time in sit-ins / elections related issues, which must be left for the ECP to deal. It’s time to move on.
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