2013 general election like all others held previously by successive governments – democratic, autocratic, or authoritarian – had been tainted by the stigma of rigging and manipulation of results. The losers had never accepted defeat and winners glorified their success not on basis of performance but on notion of self-righteousness. Although, apparently the same story was repeated in 2013 election, there is a twist that unlike past all parties, winners, losers, and those in between cried foul. Every party including PMLN, PPP, PTI, ANP, JUI demonstrated dissatisfaction and even took out rallies against alleged rigging in the election.
However, it was only chairman PTI, who remained consistent in his demand for formation of a judicial commission to probe elections. He took the stand that unless and until a judicial commission was formed to probe the alleged rigging; his party would continue protests and not attend the National Assembly. Consequently he staged protests and resorted to sit-inn to pressurize the government to meet his demands. He was castigated and accused of raising too much dust to pollute the political environment. However, his audacity culminated in formation of a judicial commission.
Almost all parties barring a few groups demanded return of PTI to assembly, but when they did, PTI lawmakers were greeted by the ruling party members with great contempt, PM’s vows to take along all stakeholders notwithstanding. Now when the commission has been formed, instead of cooperating with the judicial commission, all politicians including those from the ruling party indulge in hurling slanders and mudslinging to dishonor one another on electronic media. The dust of mistrust among political leaders has engulfed the entire nation. The politicians seem to be envious of each other’s positions and try to cut each other’s nose to spite their faces.
The rulers’ insatiable desire to concentrate all powers without bearing any responsibility appears to be mockery of the very system i.e., democracy, which they pretend to strengthen and safeguard. It is about time that our politicians learn from past mistakes and show some maturity by letting the commission work. The judicial commission ought to ask all the political parties as well as media to refrain from discussing the topic and issuing irresponsible statement about this sensitive issue under probe.
RAJA SHAFAATULLAH
Islamabad
