…and our parliamentarians
As our Parliament failed to pass a law regarding dual nationality holders and the Election Commission’s given deadline was reached on this Friday, there was bound to be some action from the parliamentarian who had not submitted their affidavits. The news and political circle are abuzz with the news of at least 10 out of 16 (four MQM MNAs citing personal reasons, six Sindh MPAs) parliamentarians, who had not submitted their affidavits by Friday, having resigned from their respective legislatures. The move probably was spurred by the fact that the ECP had threatened to revoke the membership of those who failed to satisfy it regarding their status on dual nationality.
Politicians, most of whom are busy gearing up for the upcoming elections, seem to have landed another issue at their hands. In a coalition government, every single MP counts. In fact, in certain cases, it can make a difference in getting a bill passed or rejected. And with a setup like ours, it is all the more important where political divides run across the aisle on a majority of issues, including, ironically, that of dual nationality. With the next elections already looming on the horizon, the government is in no position to risk alienating whatever little majority it holds in the National Assembly, though a vote of no confidence or by-elections at this time seem more improbable. The ECP says with only three months remaining till the government completes this term, holding by-elections would be taxing, costly, and an exercise in futility. Who would want to be an MP with the assurance of only a few weeks in office?
Another fallout of this episode could lead to some bills not being passed by the parliaments. As is the case, many a government world over, try to rush through some important bills right at the last stages of its term for the simple fact that they have to face a little less opposition then. But when it has to struggle to maintain its majority, how would it pass any new law? Important political issues on which the election campaign could be based, like the Seraiki province, may see a political death.
However, the Sindh government has countered the move by appointing three of the six MPAs as advisor and special assistants. The legal loophole that anyone can be appointed as an advisor for at least six months without being a member of an assembly provides perfect excuse to the government though it has only provided an opportunity to the opposition and its critics. Realistically speaking, this was also somewhat expected of the government. Nevertheless, it is the ECP that needs appreciation for working with a neutral character and pursuing the order of the Supreme Court to its fulfilment.
