Sharif’s Shifting Stance
By Aman K. Mandozai
Long Beach, CA
Ex-Premier of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif has changed his position on participating or boycotting the forthcoming elections more times than you can count your fingers on a single hand. According to Sharif the February 18th 2008 elections have been rigged even before they were held! Ex-Premier Sharif and his political brother Shahbaz and his cronies cannot afford to stay out of the political game, which would enable them to financially 'bankrupt' their beloved country Pakistan; as they did more than once as the 'two-man calamity' for Pakistan.
PPP Bhutto Group has lost an opportunity of a generation to bring in other PPP splinter factions into their folds, move away from the dynastic structure of the Party, and nurture new and old political talents which were held back earlier. This was their best chance to truly become a democratic and 'national' political party. Under the present leadership their future seems to be uncertain and in disarray.
As a fellow Pakistani, I urge the citizens of Pakistan to exercise their right to elect their candidates on February 18th 2008 in a peaceful manner. The working poor of Pakistan who are hurt economically, are more vulnerable to violence due to lost jobs and opportunities; not the members of the National and Provincial Assemblies. Exercise restraint, even if the elections results are not what you would like them to be, because in democracy, the majority rules! Reform the system and support better candidates instead of burning fellow citizens’ property, to vent anger and frustration, which can only please the enemies of Pakistan. The World is watching!
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