KARACHI: On July 29, an assurance was given to the nation by President Asif Ali Zardari that the next election would be held on time and that it would be fair, free and impartial. But this will only be possible if the following decisions are implemented by the election commission.
1) The holding of rallies, taking out processions, delivering speeches by any means, door-to-door canvassing by any political party/political leader are all banned. 2) All flags, billboards and banners of political parties are removed from public space. Advertisements in newspapers by any political party and TV talk shows of any political leader on any government or private TV channel are banned. 3) Section 144 is imposed in the country in letter and spirit. 4) The carrying of weapons even in a concealed manner by anybody, including private guards in plain clothes is banned.
Any political party which violates any of the above orders should be disqualified for participation in the election by the Election Commission.
For those who think that the above suggestions are too draconian, let me explain the reasoning. Take the case, for example, of door-to-door canvassing. It has been observed in previous elections that this ends up as being perceived by many as more or less harassment and intimidation. In fact, I would even suggest that a hotline be set up where any voter who feels that he or she is being intimidated by a member of a political party can register a complaint.
Furthermore, the government should only allow political parties to advertise their voting signs in the print and electronic media. The worth of every political party, including the ruling party, is now very well known to our nation so let the people decide independently which party they want to vote for. If these measures are implemented in letter and in spirit, then perhaps the forthcoming general elections will be fair, free and impartial.
Sqn-ldr (retd) S Ausaf Husain
Published in The Express Tribune, August 6th, 2012.
