LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: In a move that has been a long time in the making, the main opposition party – the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) – has demanded that the government call snap elections.
Citing ‘rampant corruption and fluid security situation’ in the country, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif made the demand in an interview with a television channel on Wednesday. The next general elections are due in 2013.
In a veiled threat to the coalition government, led by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Sharif ‘advised’ Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani to dissolve federal and provincial legislatures and call fresh elections or else his party would have no option but to stage a ‘long march’.
“We will not hesitate to stage a long march for people’s rights. I urge the people to support our cause to rid the country of corruption,” said Sharif who indicated a day earlier that his party would mobilise the people against the government.
(Read: Nawaz vows to take to the streets if govt prolongs crisis)
Sharif had led a successful ‘long march’ in March 2009 for the reinstatement of dozens of judges of the superior judiciary sacked by former military ruler Pervez Musharraf. Citing reasons for his demand for fresh elections, the PML-N chief said that corruption is rampant, security situation is deteriorating, electricity crisis is snowballing and unemployment is increasing.
“The government has miserably failed to overcome these problems,” he said and advised the government to concede its failure and step down.
(Read: Are we having fun yet?)
Sharif said that he had spoken to President Asif Ali Zardari on his demand for fresh elections four months ago. Though he demanded fresh elections, Sharif ruled out an ‘unconstitutional’ method for toppling the government. “Only Pakistani people have the right to send the government packing,” he added.
Calling the alliance between the PPP and PML-Q as ‘marriage of interest’, the PML-N supremo said that the two parties were flouting the Supreme Court rulings to hide their ill-practices.
Sharif said that his party had joined the PPP-led coalition following the 2008 elections for ‘greater good’ of the country. “Our party had to face scathing media criticism for siding with the government but we persevered,” he said, adding that the PML-N pulled out of the coalition.
It is the first time Sharif made an unequivocal demand for fresh elections. Earlier the second tier leaders of his party were making muted demands for snap polls.
The PPP moved quickly to brush aside the possibility of fresh elections. Punjab Governor Sardar Latif Khosa, who belongs to the PPP, called it an ‘immature demand’ which the PML-N chief has made for ‘public consumption’.
“The PML-N failed to hold local bodies’ elections in Punjab where it is in power… Under such situation the demand for general elections is nothing more than a political stunt,” Khosa told the media at a function.
Political analysts believe that the PML-N can make a decisive move for early general elections before the Senate elections due in March next year. Under the present political setup, the PPP would get a majority in the upper house of parliament as it would get the biggest chunk of seats which would fall vacant following the retirement of 50 per cent senators next year.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 18th, 2011.
COMMENTS (28)
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PLM-N claims to be democratic and responsible political party but unfortunately has never acted accordingly.
Nawaz's demand for early elections is anti-democratic, unconstitutional and against the mandate of the people- its shows his dictatorial designs- We the concerned citizen of Pakistan condemn his statement and support democratic government- Long Live democracy.
Once again PML-N chief is getting insane and seems impatient to enter in the corridors of power as he started giving calls for fresh elections. Mr Sharif was of the view that the problems being faced by Pakistan could only be resolved if elections were held immediately. The timing of Mr Sharif’s demand is interesting. For quite some time, members of the PML-N had been demanding mid-term polls but Mian sahib kept ignoring these demands and was quite content with letting this government complete its term. So why has Nawaz Sharif changed his mind now? There could be a few factors. One of them is that the PML-N’s popularity in Punjab has suffered greatly due to its mismanagement and misgovernance. If Mr Sharif thinks this is a good a time to go back to the electorate, he is in for a surprise. Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s government has not performed well ever since it came to power in Punjab. Their so-called pro-people projects like Sasti Roti Scheme have proved to be anything but helpful for the public. Instead, these projects only led to more corruption and became a burden on the provincial exchequer. If the PML-N wants to go for an election again, it may not turn out to be an advantageous move because the party hardly has an organisation outside central Punjab. PML-N is loser in any case, whether it demands mid-term polls or contest next election. It has reached to its logical end. However, why doesn’t Mian Sahib become a part of solution rather than becoming a part of problem? Every one knows that country is facing gigantic challenges which can not be resolved by mere issuing derogatory statements or holding mid-term polls but coordinated joint efforts with a strong democracy.
@Frank: @Mahesh Patil: Thanks for the confidence in poor little me! I guess what I meant to say was that it is a stupid thing to tell some other country (after several wars and animosity) that their God and our God is the same. This is not a proper or diplomatic way to start friendship and peace; it can only create more hatred and reactionaries among us. In fact it gave ammunition to right-wingers, and JI right away came out against this part of the statement of Sharif. Let us take baby steps at confidence building, trade, and cultural exchanges while leaving religion as personal and private. Once people meet each other and see the other country, the chances of success would more. In my life I have experienced that most of the hateful people have never visited the other country in their life. Thanks and regards, Mirza
In 1996 elections, Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif came up with a slogan “Jaag Punjabi Jaag, Teri Pug Nu Lak Gay Hay Daag" and won with a two-third majority in Pakistan.
Does he has any new slogan for the uprising in Pakistan?
@Waqar: "India had pre poll elections twice .its purely constitutional and just see how Sindh is being managed especially karachi as compared to Punjab"
In both those cases, a No Confidence motion was called by the opposition and the ruling party failed to prove its majority on the floor of the house. This is what made it constitutional.
But Mian saab has not asked for No Confidence motion because he does not have the votes to make it successful. In that case dissolving parliament would not be constitutional.
Can someone in ET who can inform me why my comments are not being aired from last two days???? It looks like someone in ET is either jealous or bias due to heavy response which I receive from different friends who try to be neutral with balanced approach on important issues/news.
Mahesh Patil
No. I am not a religious person at all and I was not offended by this remark, if that's what you are alluding too. I did find it quite absurd though and the whole speech a transparent attempt at gaining American support. Though some commentators here in Pakistan are saying Nawaz Sharif has literally lost his mind. I liked the calm and sober assessment of Nawaz Sharif given by Mirza, which was very different to his usual liberal hysteria.
If Nawaz Sharif is so keen for the elctions then why does not he ask his brother to dissolve corrupt Punjab government?
@Rehan: India had pre poll elections twice .its purely constitutional and just see how Sindh is being managed especially karachi as compared to Punjab.
If Imran Khan able to become CM of Punjab after next election. We are more than happy. Atleast, we see some change in this province and to be very honest, Change in Punjab means change in Pakistan. Mian Sahab you are alone in this field now and better start your long march march, I bet it will become a mammoth disaster.
@ Omer Ahmed, Which support of Nawaz Shariff you are talking about?. North Punjab is going gaga over Imran Khan. Pir Pagara is with MQM and PPP. Secondly ISI/Establishment are against Mian sahab now. Previously, the victory of Mian sahab was becoz of agencies support. Mian sahab is now frustrated because of Imran Khan growing popularity, which is intimidating him. He cant quit assemblies because this is not in their interest. Its just a shallow rhetoric to fool people who are heading towards Imran. Successful campaign for any election need atleast a year and till now mian sahab is not prepared. This time Imran Khan will sabotage Mian sahab vote bank which pave the way for PPP to come in Power again
According to me its just a tactics to be in media and gain more public support across Punjab. Most of the Projects which they started will complete in the end of 2012, how come you think they are serious about all this?.
Its Ramadan and fasting effect only...
Mr. Sharif, have you properly planned a regular supply and availability of
Fajje ke paye, fresh and hotparathasmade indesi ghee, a dozen freshqulchas, six number big glasses oflassiwithmalai markayand of coursethandai(dry fruit shake) for your simple breakfast, every day. If this supply is not ensured, please do not start long march from Karachi to Khyber. It is quite long route and therefore your team ofmalisheye(messagers) should also be with you, otherwise you will not feel comfortable as in Attock fort. One should always stay in highly luxurious and golden glittering surroundings particularly those sincere leaders, who are effected by observing sufferings of their poor countrymen, most of whom are on roads with their innocent children/women for oneroti.Mirza, at last a post by you that I like and agree with.
Assalam-o-Allaikum Warahmatullah.Now no more mid-term or on 5-year's tenure completion elections but only army government for few years so that more and more money could be saved from wastage on useless things and from corruption.
not now Mian Sahab. its too late. you should call for elections when your party was in Govt.
The important part of the news is “before the Senate elections due in March next year. Under the present political setup, the PPP would get a majority in the upper house of parliament as it would get the biggest chunk of seats which would fall vacant”. PML-N is still a large but regional party and even in Punjab it is not going to get much support in the South. It has already lost its support in KP when it opposed a name change. Sharifs have no chance in Sind between PPP and MQM. That leaves a very small number of seats for them to be competitive. In addition, Imran Khan and other rightwing parties would give it a tough fight in upper and urban Punjab and Hazara belt. Keeping in view of these realities, it has tried to cozy up with India just to create a niche to differentiate itself from the other rightwing parties. Even the most liberals like me, would not say a stupid thing to Indians that “our God is the same” as NS has said! Being desperate, NS has no chance to pick up much from the coming senate elections. To pick lot of seats in senate, a party has to be popular in more than one province; therefore PML-N does not want to face the writing on the wall. Being a political offspring of worst dictator mullah Zia, the Sharifs are adopting threats to the govt. It says a lot about their nature and character that they cannot wait till the end of Ramzan to talk non sense. They cannot wait to upset the apple cart before next senate elections. They cannot wait till the flood season is over. They cannot wait till the terrorism is down. They cannot wait till there is peace in Pakistan’s cities. Is this the most conducive environment for holding the unnecessary elections? Would the greedy politicians die if they have to wait a few more months longer and follow the constitution? Why all of a sudden such a sense of urgency? Even if the long march becomes successful, and even if the govt agrees to hold early elections, it would be the actual time for next elections anyway, then why so much fuss?
I wonder why the media gives NS so much importance, while he along with GEO is watching Indian interests. He cannot fool anymore.
Why the snap polls? Unable to meet your responsibilities as an effective opposition that you need to topple the government?
Exactly what the country needs! As if the boat isnt being rocked enough as it is.
Thats Rhetoric he doesn't MEAN what he said. This Government MUST complete its term , its in the Greater interest of this country! Early Elections Will Not help PML-N , As Development work in MANY districts of Punjab is ongoing. PML-N should do more development work during this remaining time it will help them getting more votes & Nawaz Shareef KNOWS that its in his own favor that the present government completes Its terms. During this time PMLN should Put more pressure on the government & criticize its Policies so that PPP's Popularity graph goes down & down. Senate Majority holds no importance PPP won't strike down Bills in Upper house to topple the next Government. PMLN will win next elections if it works more in ALL Provinces nawaz Shareef needs to Start his campaign for next elections by the end of this year by visiting All Districts of PAKISTAN. he should try to cut PPP in Interior Sindh , its hard but its Possible.
& i would Like to repeat.
This government Must complete its term!
I think after a long time, Mian Sahib in the breakfast had tea instead of ten glasses of Lassi. To prove his seriousness, his brother should dissolve Punjab Assembly and his MNA's resign from National Assembly.
Elections are in January 2013. Barely 1 year to go. Let's see if you can do well. Until then, take care of Punjab, ok? Honestly, in which country does the opposition ask the government to be dissolved just 1 year before elections?! lol, imagine the Republicans telling Obama to quit! Regards, Rehan
Smart. Elections before Musharraf or Imran Khan start their campaigns.