Appreciable intervention but…
Harold Laski, the great political theorist of the 20th century, holds, “we cannot realize the full benefit of democratic government unless we begin by the admission that all problems are not central problems and that the results of problems not central in their incidence require decision at the place and by the persons where and by whom the incidence is most deeply felt.” Unfortunately despite public commitment through the Charter of Democracy, the two leading political forces in Pakistan, the PPP and the PML-N, under their watch have eschewed holding local government polls. Ninety days after assuming power was their pledge in the CoD. Not a signatory to that document, the PTI on its own through its supremo made a similar vow. Still for five years (2008-13), when the PPP ruled the roost in three provinces while in Punjab the PML-N held the fort, there was not a hint of the LG polls. Here is why. All these parties, centrally controlled as they are, believe that LGs will dilute their stranglehold on power in more ways than one. New pretenders may emerge through the ranks to challenge their monopoly, and over the top the bulk of the financial pie used for patronage will flow to the lower tiers.
That is why despite the much trumpeted seamless transfer of power from one civilian government to another, the first ever in our checkered history, the PPP, PML-N and the PTI while going into their sixth month were not forthcoming about the intent to fulfill this constitutional requirement. Hence, the Supreme Court’s intervention in the issue can only be appreciated. For these leading political parties who preach so much about the constitution needed to be reminded that all constitutional clauses are binding. And what could be a greater devotion to democracy than taking it to the grassroots where it could make a difference to the people’s lives.
With the SC having laid down the law, it is the ECP’s duty to take necessary steps and determine the poll dates. For its part, the Supreme Court too should show some patience and not insist on particular, predetermined dates. For one, ground realities in each province are different. And second it is an administrative job that per force deals with so many mundane tasks – organizing the paraphernalia alone is a huge task – any one of which not properly executed could result in a botched exercise, and that could create further social commotion and fissures.
