Altaf Hussain’s argument is far-fetched
The forthcoming elections have a historic significance as these will mark the first peaceful transition of power from one civilian government to another. There is a nationwide consensus to hold the elections on May 11 as scheduled. All political parties, including those which boycotted the 2008 elections, are making preparations to go to the polls. For the first time there is a neutral and powerful election commission and a consensus caretaker set up both at the center and the provinces. The Supreme Court has warned against any postponement of the exercise. The CEC has declared that any extension in caretaker set-up will be disastrous. The caretaker Prime Minister has said that he would resign if the tenure of the interim setup was extended.
As the EC is all set hold the elections Altaf Hussain has suddenly floated the idea of the postponement of the exercise by a fortnight to one month. This would revive the apprehension that were being widely expressed two months back regarding a conspiracy to delay the elections an then derail the system. Those who expressed the fears included Raza Rabbani, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Nawaz Sharif and several other leaders. A Jamaat-e-Islami leader had gone to the extreme of warning that a second Bangladesh would come into being if general elections were postponed. This led some of the political parties which had initially shown a soft corner for Tahirul Qadri to withdraw their support for his long march.
The arguments given by Altaf Hussain are far fetched. If the MQM chief wants an ideal law and order situation prior to the elections, these will have to be postponed indefinitely rather than for weeks. Altaf says that peaceful elections are not possible in Karachi in the presence of the Taliban. The ANP has lost important leaders in attacks by the terrorists who continue to target its public meetings, the latest attack in Bannu killing two and inuring a party MPA. The PPP too faces threats. Despite these both the parties have shown readiness to face the challenge. Altaf’s argument that he sees no political momentum is self serving. The election activity is fast picking up with the PML(N), PTI and JUI(F)having already held big gatherings in a number of cities. The PPP has announced to hold at least 20 election rallies in different cities and towns in days to come. If for reasons known to itself alone the MQM cannot follow suit, elections cannot be postponed to cater to the needs of a single party.
Altaf Hussain’s statement would give rise to the question whether certain forces are keen to delay an orderly transfer of power. In case there are any, they are going to meet with resistance from political parties and civil society in general. They would do well not to consign the country to instability through any irresponsible act.
