KARACHI:
The recent Punjab by-elections have shown a positive shift in the country’s political arena and the electoral process. While the PML-N did not expect such a humiliating defeat in the by-elections, its acceptance of defeat following the announcement of unofficial results is worth lauding. This appears to be the beginning of a good tradition in the country’s politics where we rarely see political parties accept their defeat with an open heart.
In a democracy, the choice of the electors i.e., ordinary citizens must be respected. The public’s ability to vote out of its conscience instead of blindly following its leaders strengthens democratic foundations. According to some observations, PML-N supporters went against the party’s directives and avoided voting for PTI dissenters who were awarded PMLN’s tickets. They instead stood with the party’s old loyalists who contested as independent candidates. This demonstrates increased awareness among the voters who are cognizant of exercising their right to elect their representatives.
Democracy flourishes when the power to elect representatives is conferred upon the public entirely. The recent elections have set a new precedent and encouraged more people to cast their votes. It is high time that this political maturity is taken forward to firmly establish democracy in the country. Also, all political forces must set their differences aside and sit together to chart a long-term plan to resolve the current political and economic turmoil. Those who attempt to further their political interests at the cost of the public should be removed.
Asad Aziz
Khushab
Published in The Express Tribune, July 22nd, 2022.
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