Not very grass-root
Our political elite are never short of slogans about their sacrifices for democracy, etc, but the on ground performance leaves a little something to be desired every now and then. These local body elections are a good example. Generally considered the essence of representative democracy, with good reason, they should be the natural step forward once civilian government is established. Yet our politicians have exhibited a particular disdain for proper devolution of power, despite constitutional mandate. These elections are being held after ten years. And political parties fought them off tooth and nail, to the point that the Supreme Court had to get involved, and only reluctantly was the process pushed forward.
The popular press has, of course, been far too engrossed in the election process itself to give the politicians’ failings more than a passing concern. And as our democrats have maneuvered to keep power – and funds – concentrated around them despite the devolution, the irony with previous such exercises under military rule could not be greater. Devolution under military dictatorships has been more transparent and more thorough – in keeping with the spirit of the constitution – than under democratic setups. The reason, at the end of the day, is our political elite’s obsession with keeping control, and fear of empowering the people.
But such policy is always a double-edged sword. In depriving local governments of their rightful powers – political as well as financial – they are weakening the people’s ability to have a direct say in their political state of affairs. And since people are increasingly aware, and able to record their frustrations, such arrangements usually unravel in the long run. People, of course, get to vote their opinion again at a later date. And if they have been wronged, they make it felt at the ballot. Now that local governments are once again a reality, all provincial governments should go the extra mile to ensure they are as free of controversy as possible. In doing that they will not only improve the lot of the people, but also their own chances at future voting outings.
Matter of fact the Election process in Pakistan and even get elected by ballot or bullet, is a "maneuver to keep power and secure FUNDS" like says the Editorial. There is no grass and no roots. All evolves around power and Funds. If the Editorial admits that the system is more transparent under Military, why all this FUSS ? Universally acknowledged that the 1970 elections were 'fairest' in the history of the country – under dictatorship. Even then our 'politics' lost half of the country ! Do we deserve it ? It only is to deceive our own conscience.
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