Break from standard practice
PPP’s surprise over the ‘president’s politicking’ is understandable given the manner in which the ever-watchful judiciary kept their own co-chairman from conducting party meetings in the presidency not too long ago. But if they are hoping for an explanation from the prime minister they have another surprise waiting for them. However, Nawaz’s decision to suddenly push the president into mainstream politics is strange, not just because it is customary for the latter to be ceremonial and unbiased in his outlook. Mamnoon, contrary to some of his predecessors, is not even a house-hold name in much of the country. And influencing Sindh’s local body elections seems pretty insignificant considering some of the decisions that have come from the presidency.
Yet the posturing is important. Nawaz obviously does not care about the political fallout, or the president would have been kept happily sidelined and sufficiently ceremonial. And it is also becoming apparent that Mamnoon is not as docile as it seems. It turns out that he’s been active enough in party matters in Sindh that the high command there complained to the prime minister. That Nawaz still decided in favour of Mamnoon speaks volumes.
But now that this particular move has raised visible objection, and rightly so, perhaps Nawaz should consider revising this part of his strategy. The gambit would not be worth it if mobilising Mamnoon eventually hurts the party’s chances in the local government elections. And this is not the only instance where ruling party high-ups have trouble with jurisdiction. PML-N senior ministers are routinely seen commenting on issues that do not concern their respective ministries. Some very important positions, like the foreign ministry, are left vacant. There is a similar pattern in Punjab. The ruling party is reminded that respecting democratic practices is integral to the smooth functioning of the institution of democracy itself. By employing ad hoc tactics and provocative measures the N-league only hurts itself in the long run.
