Doubts emerge
Perhaps it was inevitable for the timing of the election to come under some sort of doubt as the vote neared; considering how polarised the political environment has become and how some, if not most, parties have their own respective axes to grind if the exercise is tinged with controversy. But for the doubts to be allegedly cast by the CJ and COAS – custodians of the two institutions that have put their weight, for all intents and purposes, behind the democratic process – raises important questions that must be answered sooner rather than later to avoid further, needless intrigue.
The ECP does not agree with the doubts, especially since they relate to ‘technicalities’ regarding the delimitation of constituencies. The Commission has so far received only 89 complaints for the 2018 election, compared to 985 representations for the 2002 election. Also, in none of the 89 complaints, according to the ECP itself, has any substantive point of law has been raised. Therefore there is really no question, so far, for the vote to be delayed on any ‘technical’ grounds.
The military, for its part, has clarified once again that conducting the election is the ECP’s business, not it’s. Calling the timing into question at this time will only muddy the waters further. Already the more pro-Nawaz elements in the ruling party are accusing institutions of colliding to unseat the former prime minister. Statements about the timing of the election, especially from institutions that are not involved in the exercise, will only give more fodder to political spin doctors to malign those institutions and play the martyr even further as the vote nears. The election must be held on time and any bumps in the road, whether ‘technical’ or otherwise, must be overcome. It is for the government to ensure that the polls take place on time, just as it is every institution’s constitutional responsibility to operate within its own defined boundaries.
