Elections can be a vehicle for change

Country created 76 years ago through historic democratic movement has been unable to fully assimilate democratic norms

In the few days left before national and provincial elections most of the people are expected to have decided whom they would be voting for. But are they asking pertinent questions and aware as to which party or candidate is relatively more competent to address issues facing Pakistan and affecting their lives adversely. And vote for those individuals and political parties relatively more competent in addressing these. Going by our past experience this may necessarily not be the case.

It should be a matter of serious reflection that a country created 76 years ago through a historic democratic movement has been unable to fully assimilate democratic norms. Leadership of major political parties like PML-N, PPP, ANP revolves around the dynasties that have deeply entrenched themselves yielding little space for others. They go through party elections, more to abide by meeting the election commission’s requirement rather than having a free and fair election that would have a wider choice and perhaps better and more deserving leadership. This is not to overlook that some of the present leaders would have been elected in their own right being comparatively more able and experienced.

What is probably never given a serious thought that the more we abide by and strengthen the political system the stronger would be the leadership’s ability to manage the economy, addressing the multiple security challenges, apart from raising the country’s international standing and image. A stable political system gives confidence to local and foreign entrepreneurs to invest and promote trade. These are basics known to everyone, yet due to leadership failings, are ignored while personal preferences in policies prevail. Moreover, it would have a favourable impact on geopolitics if there is political stability and predictability of policies.

All major political parties are generally interested in promoting and enhancing trade and economic linkages with neighbours. It has been experienced that India and Afghanistan find some Pakistani leaders more understanding and interested in promoting regional trade and economic cooperation than others. Pakistan’s foreign policy and relations with major and regional powers is influenced by the military. It is generally supportive of regional trade as it strengthens the national economy. The US and European countries encourage free and fair elections as it would reinforce democracy and free trade. It’s also in the interest of China as it will promote political stability and enhance trade and mutual economic interaction. The second phase projects of CPEC — unveiled in April 2015 by Chinese President Xi Jinping, focusing on Gwadar port, energy, transportation infrastructure and cooperation in industrial development — needs to be prioritised and speeded up by the incoming government. It is unfortunate that major projects involving heavy investments by China were not accorded the high priority they deserved.

It is expected that the incoming government will expedite work on these projects so that people and the country could benefit. Improving the state of the economy should be the central objective of the government. For this, several measures will have to be undertaken. The varied deficiencies that exist in the energy sector are a drag on its growth. This is despite the fact that previous and present governments have taken specific measures to reduce electricity outages that stem from supply issues.

Our exports fall far short of the potential of the country. For this we need to improve productivity and lay greater emphasis on the quality and range of our products so that these could find acceptance in a highly competitive international business environment. Our leaders need to be committed to building our industrial and technological infrastructure that improves our ability to compete in the international market. So far, Pakistan has not fully benefited from globalisation and the IT revolution.

This would require significant improvement in several areas specially in science-based education in which we are lagging behind. The centrality and significance of quality education should be a high priority for the incoming government.

Our leaders need to bear in mind that no country has progressed with a distorted system of governance with its people its worst sufferers. Be it democracy, socialism or a one-party state. So, why would Pakistan be an exception! According to our constitution we are a democracy in which power centres around parliament but in reality, it is diffused, complex and shared by the military and to an extent by other state institutions, especially the bureaucracy that influences and sometimes determines policy and its application. If these institutions operate separately and pursue policies that do not harmonise with the political party in power the country suffers. According to our constitution, parliament is the embodiment of state power but in reality, it is not that strong. The provincial governments suffer from a similar weakness, although to a lesser extent.

The lingering challenge of militancy, especially in border areas, has to be dealt with seriously. Balochistan and parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa bordering Afghanistan are the troubled areas. The incoming government in coordination with the army leadership and provincial government will have to revisit existing policies. The feeling of neglect and despair has to be addressed. There has to be a serious and sustained effort to improve the quality of life of the broad masses.

It is also rare that the input of research institutions and think tanks is fed into our national policy, although business interests, considered in harmony with state objectives, are generally incorporated. The pressure on the government by the media and social networks to be more transparent and accountable reflects public thinking and does influence the government. Although even in democratic countries it is not easy to adhere to these norms as media are subjected to state pressure when they are critical of government and state policies. In Pakistan, where democratic values are still not fully ingrained it is even more difficult.

Despite several constraints — some due to limitations in the past leader’s capabilities or influenced by geopolitical compulsions — the incoming leadership and people’s resolve has to find ways to overcome these for a better and prosperous Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 31^st, 2024.

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