There is an imminent danger of mass-scale rigging in the next elections in Pakistan. The past history of elections held in Pakistan bear witness to this allegation where elections have always been rigged. The 1977 elections caused ripples in the system due to massive rigging.
The wind of change and the dissenting voices can be heard loud and clear denouncing any such attempt in the future elections. People by and large want transparent and free elections. If this happens, then the dream will come true and democracy will flourish. The politics of Pakistan is extremely volatile and dangerous laced with violence and fear. The danger of party clashes is lurking behind the scene. Ugly situations would be created. Security concerns must be addressed to avoid the blood bath.
The political parties have their armed wings, especially the religious parties. There is real and present threat to the lives of the political leaders in general. Their security should be ensured by beefing up the presence of guards in political meetings.
It is our ardent desire and duty to save them from unwanted dangerous situations. Fool-proof arrangements must be made to avoid such ugly situations.
JAVAID BASHIR
Lahore
