The politicians of all shades are fond of making tall claims to change the existing system of government if they come to power, but they miserably fail to deliver on their promises. This is evident from the Charter of Democracy (COD) signed in 2006 by heads of main rivals PPP and PML-N. According to the COD, the arch rivals promised to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to check causes of torture and politically motivated accountability. In addition, they pledged to grant freedom of expression to media, improve governance, provide good quality social services to masses, cut spending by adopting simplicity at all levels, prevent corruption, make senate elections transparent to stop floor crossing, and hold local body elections within three months of general elections.
Sadly, besides joining hands to save their grab on power (e.g., saving democracy in wake of corruption charges), both PPP and PML-N having a stint at power at centre as well as provinces since 2008 have failed miserably in implementing COD and keeping their promises. For example, the PPP failed to get past 2009 Accountability Bill and introduced a new one without consultation with the opposition. They also completely and utterly failed in checking corruption and improving the life of the masses. It has been almost eight years that PPP and PML-N are in power but the local body elections are still a cry in the wilderness.
Similarly, the current government also failed to implement all major pledges of the COD with exception of a handful of cosmetic measures. Now smelling some unrest in its own ranks, the ruling party very hastily wants to pass a constitutional amendment to hold Senate elections through show of hands. The promise of shunning extravagant way of life and adopting simplicity by the ruling elite is nothing but a distant dream. Their unending desire for power and protocol and the princely living style reveals that COD was and is nothing but a sham to fool this poor nation for the umpteenth time.
The only point they agree on is to keep their control on power perpetually by hook or crook.
RAJA SHAFAATULLAH
Islamabad
