Every five years or so, Pakistanis vote in elections that tend to reopen old, festering economic, and ethnic and religious wounds. The upcoming May 11 parliamentary election is taking place against the background of bloodshed and carnage, which is more about politics of mud throwing on others than ideologies or policies. Most main-stream parties have already kicked-off their campaigns, but we won’t be seeing many faces changing. The situation in the country is unstable moving backwards instead of going forward. Because of poor security situation in the country it would be difficult to organize campaign. The stakes this year are especially high following the disastrous 2008 poll, which unleashed a pre-electoral bloodbath. Bloodshed and violence is highly likely, particularly before and after the election. Localized violence has already begun. Vote rigging is expected but will be more difficult than in 1977. Use of money in elections can also not be ruled out. However, the predominance of such type of politics means that Pakistan will continue to be at risk of significant violence; Will Pakistan’s most poor nation repair itself in the 2013 polls is a significant question.
Thanks God! The PPP led coalition government has completed its five years darkest term and finally, the nightmare of the PPP Government is over. The masses have breath a sigh of relief to see the back of the PPP led government. This was the worst government not only for the poor but also for the middle classes. Although unpopularity and anger over the performance of the outgoing Government and their plundering the country during its five years like a conquering enemy force is more likely to damage the party’s run in the elections; however vital question is who will recover the amount of Rupees 18000 billion plundered by them and reverse the precious lands in all the big cities grabbed by them during that period. While the life of common men has become miserable, with the collaboration of Election Commission and caretakers, the multi-billion dollar looting of Pakistan’s resources is likely to continue, threatening hopes for peace and economic reconstruction. It is alarming that instead of their accountability, the plunderers, loan defaulters, criminals, corrupt and those who got heavy loans written off have once again submitted the nomination papers and have easily cleared their scrutiny process with the blessings of Election Commission. They are again trying to misguide the masses on the new slogans.
The life of the poor has become like a living hell in last five years. Political dynasties and feudal are putting the future of our country in great risk—we must stop criminals from getting into government. The government failed to solve or even reduce the problems faced by the poor during a long tenure of five years. Poverty has reached highest ever, the prices of essential daily used items including food has skyrocketed, business, investment and industry are faced with unprecedented loss, religious intolerance and militancy increased, the energy crisis worsened, the economy has meltdown, the social crisis has intensified, key fundamental rights of people like life, safety, liberty, health, education are faced with unprecedented jeopardy, and unemployment and hunger are now at climax. A whole generation of children whose schools and scores are exposed to indiscriminate risks on a regular basis is growing with knowledge of violence and insecurity as way of life. Due to dissatisfaction, coupled with the mutual suspicion and disrespect between the rulers and masses have led to a situation where most Pakistanis do not think of Pakistan as their home; and have no respect, love, loyalty, and trust for the country and to for its political institutions. There can be no gratitude to a state that assassinates its best and brightest? There can be no affection for a country that encourages an atmosphere of fear and death. There can be no loyalty to a country that does not provide security, employment and other public goods for the vast majority of the populace. There can be no trust between a people and a government that is adept at encouraging mediocrity, favoritism and ethnic conflicts.
However as long as we have breath in our lungs there is hope. Hope leads us to faith and faith breeds Confidence. Under today’s circumstance it’s best we not cry too much and look towards the prospects of a brighter future. We should cast our votes very wisely to the right people. Crying or complaining and pointing fingers of blame only make the problems worse and achieve nothing. Emotions can often get to the best of us and the fact is that we can’t turn back the clock, it’s best to go forward in confidence and determination. The government should take extraordinary measures to ensure fair, transparent and free elections, and peaceful transition of power. Hope and faith are the guiding light that will carry us through troubled times. As long we maintain a vision towards a brighter future, we have faith. Hope, faith and confidence are the three elements our nation and the world needs most in these delicate times.
People in Pakistan are simple-minded and innocent. Let them not be deceived anymore. Pakistan today is a rich man’s democracy. Discard the plunderers in the light of Article 62 & 63 of the Constitution. There must be a campaign to inform the public about these candidates who plundered and left government coffers dry and empty. The campaign should help Pakistani voters make an informed choice during elections and not to be swayed by empty political promises. Make the masses aware of their rights and responsibilities. Intellectuals should come forward and create better society with a true democratic spirit prepared to march further in a democratic way. Allow all members of the parliament to vote on issues according to their conscience. Free them from the party-slavery and practice full democracy within the respective party. Prevailing situation of the country demands that the media should play its positive role to guide the nation towards right way. The causes creating violent attitudes need to be addressed on priority basis. Otherwise in the next election whichever party gets elected even then the worst condition of Pakistan will not change. Transparent elections are the only way that will prove to be an important step towards peace and an ultimate defeat for the terrorist elements. I believe in the light at the end of the tunnel, I believe in a brighter future, I believe faith can move mountains. I believe in hope.
