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Thursday, May 16, 2013
Significance of elections held in Pakistan on May 11By Salman Khawar
THE nationwide elections, held on May 11, were perhaps the most keenly anticipated elections in Pakistan’s history for many reasons. Firstly, due to the complete ineptness with which the Pakistan People’s Party handled the nation’s governance, or lack of it. Rampant and blatant corruption coupled with mismanagement crumbled Pakistan’s economy and caused immense resentment amongst the masses. Recurring scandals involving People’s Party’s top brass caused incalculable damage to Pakistan’s credibility. Moreover, the inability to control the menace of terrorism in Pakistan and to establish the writ of the government caused FDI to plummet in the last five years.
Perhaps the only factor that prevented Pakistani economy from collapsing was remittances from overseas Pakistanis. Due to power shortages, Pakistan’s industry was unable to function. This perceived indifference of the government to the abject condition of the common man, made election day that much more important, as it was seen as a day on which Pakistan would decide its fate.
It would be safe to say that the People’s Party would not have been able to complete its five year tenure if it wasn’t for the collective resolve of the army, judiciary and even PPP’s political opponents to provide crutches to a weak government, which seemed destined to be doomed. While the People’s Party boasts about being the first democratically elected government in Pakistan to complete its tenure and transfer power peacefully and in accordance with the constitution of Pakistan, the credit should go to the whole nation for preventing the democratic system from derailing mid-way, despite the horrendous governance. Hence, election day was seen as a victory for the whole nation for exercising their right to vote and choosing the leadership of their liking; something that is taken for granted in other countries.
Thirdly, these elections hold particular importance due to the emergence of a third political force in Pakistan – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf – in a political climate that has largely been dominated by two main parties. Imran Khan’s political rallies pulled in massive crowds and instilled political fervour amongst the masses, particularly the youth, which hitherto had not taken interest in politics. PTI rejected the status quo and inspired the nation into believing that there is still hope. Most importantly, PTI forced other parties, primarily PML-N, to put their act together and made them realise that elections are not going to be a walk in the park for them.
A sense of ownership of the country’s affairs has been assumed by the masses, who believe in the rhetoric repeatedly put forward by the media, of how important it is to vote. Pakistan’s burgeoning news channels played a pivotal role in making sure that voter turnout broke all previous records, reflecting increased awareness amongst the masses. The opinion makers cum intellectuals who sit on talkshows, and have a huge following amongst the masses have largely made the politicising of Pakistanis possible.
Regardless of the outcome of these elections, it is safe to say that Pakistan has woken up. The passiveness and indifference of the people has dissipated and the upper and middle-income strata of society are taking unprecedented interest in politics. A significant number of oversees Pakistanis have flown in just to cast their votes. Moreover, it will not be long till political awareness permeates to such an extent that the vast majority of people base their voting decision not on the petty patronage offered to them by feudal lords and influential people, but instead see the bigger picture and elect only those candidates who promise to spend on education, health and other areas which have a long term impact on the growth and prosperity of the nation.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk