Historic elections tug at city’s ethos
Voters hope local body elections will trigger cultural transformation
Young boys move around the city finding empty walls on which to plaster stickers for various candidates. PHOTO: WASEEM NAZIR/EXPRESS
ISLAMABAD:
For some, the local body elections in Islamabad indicate a paradigm shift in the city’s culture.
My Art World Curator Zara Sajid admits this is the first time she is actively and willingly participating in the local body elections. In fact, the polls will be held for the first time in the urban areas of the capital territory. And these firsts have Sajid psyched. “I am campaigning for the Awami Workers Party because I feel it has no ulterior motives and will surely bring forth a cultural transformation for all tiers of society.”
Sajid advises “stepping out of our comfort zones” and voting for candidates who understand the importance of culture. “This is imperative because our social welfare depends on the decision we make on the 30th of November,” she adds.
Photographer Fahad Raza adds a caveat. He says the local body polls will inevitably bring a cultural change, but people should not expect a sudden turnaround. “I feel these elections will transform the cult culture of Islamabad into a community culture, as is evident in most other cities of Pakistan. Lately, we’ve seen how some parts of Islamabad are in shambles, be it sewerage or drinking facilities. Local bodies will not only give more importance to such issues, but also provide the public an opportunity to be part of the governance [process].”
Choreographer Faizaan Ahab sees the polls as a step towards the devolution of power. “[This is] a trend that has not been seen for some time. It (the polls) will also inculcate ownership. So many people are contesting as independent candidates with absolutely no political backing. This shows they have faith in voters and feel that change is about to come. Even if it (fighting independently) is just an attempt to be another political entrant, it can be viewed as progression, a cultural stepping stone.”
The participation of classical dancer Amna Mawaz — an AWP candidate — in the local body polls is one of the indicators of this much-awaited cultural transformation. But for Islamabad to see any tangible change, voters will have to be aware of the consequences of their choices. The good news, though, is that something within the federal capital is astir.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 29th, 2015.
For some, the local body elections in Islamabad indicate a paradigm shift in the city’s culture.
My Art World Curator Zara Sajid admits this is the first time she is actively and willingly participating in the local body elections. In fact, the polls will be held for the first time in the urban areas of the capital territory. And these firsts have Sajid psyched. “I am campaigning for the Awami Workers Party because I feel it has no ulterior motives and will surely bring forth a cultural transformation for all tiers of society.”
Sajid advises “stepping out of our comfort zones” and voting for candidates who understand the importance of culture. “This is imperative because our social welfare depends on the decision we make on the 30th of November,” she adds.
Photographer Fahad Raza adds a caveat. He says the local body polls will inevitably bring a cultural change, but people should not expect a sudden turnaround. “I feel these elections will transform the cult culture of Islamabad into a community culture, as is evident in most other cities of Pakistan. Lately, we’ve seen how some parts of Islamabad are in shambles, be it sewerage or drinking facilities. Local bodies will not only give more importance to such issues, but also provide the public an opportunity to be part of the governance [process].”
Choreographer Faizaan Ahab sees the polls as a step towards the devolution of power. “[This is] a trend that has not been seen for some time. It (the polls) will also inculcate ownership. So many people are contesting as independent candidates with absolutely no political backing. This shows they have faith in voters and feel that change is about to come. Even if it (fighting independently) is just an attempt to be another political entrant, it can be viewed as progression, a cultural stepping stone.”
The participation of classical dancer Amna Mawaz — an AWP candidate — in the local body polls is one of the indicators of this much-awaited cultural transformation. But for Islamabad to see any tangible change, voters will have to be aware of the consequences of their choices. The good news, though, is that something within the federal capital is astir.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 29th, 2015.