Defying expectations
The result of the British election has defied polls, bookmakers and politics-watchers who said it was too close to call. It was frequently referred to as the most unpredictable election in years. Days before the election possibilities of a hung parliament were being widely discussed. What has happened is a surprise to most. The conservative party has won 53 percent votes and 331 seats, five more than needed for a Common’s majority. Labour has got a second position far below. Cameron’s rivals Ed Miliband, Nick Clegg and Nigel Farage have resigned taking responsibility for the defeat of their parties, something that never happens in Pakistan.
Equally important is the meteoric rise of the Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP) in a country which has long practiced a unitary form of government centred in London. While the separatists were defeated at the referendum, the sentiment for an independent Scotland still persists. This was reflected in the SNP winning all seats in Scotland except three and shutting out both the Tories and Labour. Wales could be the next to make similar demands. While Cameron has promised to lead a government of “one nation” and make Great Britain greater, he will have to move apace with measures ensuring more autonomy for both Wales and Scotland. Europe is gradually realising that the only way to keep peoples with different identities together is through more devolution and a sense of sharing than through state repression, a lesson that some of the Asian countries have yet to learn.
The Tories managed to capture enough centre ground in England through their economic policies, which paved the way for their victory. Cameron managed to convince a recession weary Britain that a Labour victory would bring economic chaos and threaten Britain’s recovery from the Great Recession with the result that debt will rise and jobs will be lost. It remains t be seen how he fulfils the promise of further improvement of the economy.
Economy stupid is the real difference between losing and winning an election. What else can allure the electorate towards any political party ? It is the policies that makes all the difference in governance.
The resurgence of Scottish National Party with 56 seats tally is not surprising. A Great relief for the tories in the elections The conservatives won the simple majority to form the government on their own. Nine Pakistani Origin candidates won the elections too. They come from different backgrounds. I hope they will make their presence felt in the house of commons.
Overall result is satisfactory on all accounts. Forget Political surveys and pundits. These are all skewed to favor their own parties and most of them are party sponsored. Labor has not done that poorly that we should write them off. The freedom movements can never be curbed by referendums. Britain should embrace themselves and be prepared for another referendum over Scotland.
Economy stupid is the real difference between losing and winning an election. What else can allure the electorate towards any political party ? It is the policies that makes all the difference in governance. Good result for tories. David Cameron was able to convince the Britishers to vote for him for the economic progress.
Scottish National Party did well grabbing 56 seats. We should look forward for another referendum on Scotland freedom question soon. The Labor Part has not done that bad either to write it off. They can still make their voices heard in the Commons. Do not worry about the predictions and the pollsters. These pre polls are skewed in favor of their sponsoring parties. Just a political ploy to mislead people and electorate in general. It is heartening to see nine Pakistan Origin candidates winning the British elections.
It is hard work and they have a point to prove that they are not misfits or outsiders in the British politics. It is the essence of a real democracy. Overall a sensible editorial.
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