The best course for PML-N and PTI
The Election Tribunal’s decision to unseat Ayaz Sadiq is the first major victory for Imran Khan after a number of setbacks in by-elections followed by a judicial inquiry that did not support his claim regarding the systematic rigging of 2013 elections aimed at depriving him of his real mandate. So far, in two of the four constituencies that Khan had originally demanded to be reopened for probe, his charges of election malpractices have been proved to be true.
The PTI chief needs now to undertake an exercise in course correction. As the leader of the third largest party in National Assembly, he is expected to play his role as a parliamentarian rather than a demagogue. This requires making maximum use of the floor of the House to highlight vital national issues and expose the policy failures of the government. Now that a new Speaker is expected to take the place of Ayaz Sadiq, who was accused by Imran Khan of having got himself elected through fraud, Khan should feel no embarrassment in interacting with the new Speaker. It remains to be seen if Khan can manage to control his itch for street politics.
Ayaz Sadiq has decided to file an appeal against the Tribunal’s decision in the Supreme Court. Even if the apex court was to issue a stay order, it would be improper for Ayaz Sadiq to occupy the Speaker’s seat. The custodian of the House has to possess moral authority in order to perform his onerous duties. Instead of foisting him on the House, the PML-N leadership would do well to nominate a new Speaker.
The way the 2013 elections were mismanaged has raised questions about the credibility of those members of the Election Commission who presided over the exercise. After the findings of the judicial inquiry, there is no justification for these gentlemen to continue to cling on to their positions. It is time they volunteered to go home.