The LB’s enigma

Empowering the lower strata of the electorate is in the dock. The Election Commission’s decision not to hold local bodies’ elections in Islamabad on December 31, despite expressive orders of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), is being seen not only as an act of defiance but also a structured political move to attain vested objectives. The federal government believes that holding of polls will lead to a law and order situation in the backdrop of terror threats, whereas political forces including the PTI and Jamaat-e-Islami see it as a ploy by the ruling dispensation to avoid the rout. Though the government’s decision to amend the local governments’ law and opt for new delimitation of the capital territory constituencies from 101 to 125 has been shot down by the President, by denying his assent to the bill, it is likely to be fought tooth and nail in the court of law.

The IHC’s acceptance on Monday of the ECP and federal government’s intra-court appeals against a ruling of its own single bench, regarding the holding of LB polls in the capital territory, has delayed the polls for an indefinite period. But the fact that the court did not suspend the single bench’s verdict has rekindled hope for the forces who want an early ballot, and the PTI is at the vanguard to see that happen. The apt observation of Chief Justice Aamer Farooq that polls could not be postponed just because of a new bill is worth the salt. The point is that apparently keeping in view the surge in PTI popularity, the authorities are dove-tailing the delay — and that comes at the cost of denying the people their due rights.

It goes without saying that political parties are wary of local representation. They are more amused with provincial and national legislatures owing to their perks and privileges, and have little regard for local empowerment. This is why the culture of elections within the parties is also missing — something that denies grass-root workers a role in representation. This enigma can only be sorted out with awareness, and a genuine belief in local tiers. The excuses of delimitations are just a ploy.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 3^rd, 2023.

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