Election time?

Last 15 months had been an era of trial, tribulation since the PTI govt was ousted through a vote of no confidence

If vibes are any criterion, the country is moving towards general elections. It is a good omen, and bodes well for the nation. The prevailing political instability, coupled with economic downslide, instantly demands recourse to public mandate, and only a free and fair poll process can usher in the desired serenity and security. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in the last few days, has repeatedly reiterated that the sitting parliament will be dissolved on the completion of its five-year tenure on August 12, and a caretaker set-up will be introduced, subsequently leading to ballot.

Those words are, indeed, a negation of rumours that the assembly tenure might be extended for reasons of exigency, and is a welcome development. But the aura is still not free from misconceptions as there is a distorted narrative from sections of the ruling coalition which do not seem to be on the same page on going to polls. Sharif, as chief executive, must lead from the front and ensure that constitutional dictum is upheld, and the electorate are not taken for a ride on assumptions of vested interests.

The last 15 months had been an era of trial and tribulation since the PTI government was ousted through a vote of no confidence. The plummeting of economy, social unrest and upheavals in the political domain have simply compounded the crisis, and are questioning the very writ of national institutions. This is a decay of sorts, and could come to fracture the immature democracy that we celebrate in our midst. Moreover, the decision of not holding polls in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa within the stipulated 90-day period, as ordained by the constitution and the superior judiciary, has left a bad taste for all those who believe in civilian supremacy and power of adult franchise.

What is needed is a fresh start by pooling synergies for national integration and sticking to the constitution. The organs of the state, especially the Election Commission and the judiciary, must rise to the occasion and uphold the essence of plurality in national life and the power of vote.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 15^th, 2023.

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