A vote for democracy

Elections held at height of political instability, nosediving economy and simmering security situation

An impressive turnout — marred by the suspension of telecommunication services as well as scuffles and late arrival of polling staff — was the salient feature of the day. A large number of voters also had their shock of the day as their vote was found to be dislocated, owing to new delimitations, from their residual areas to some far-off polling booths. This, coupled with the absence of Internet facilities, made prompt access and mobility next to impossible. But what made the day was the spectacular enthusiasm, as for the first time in history people braved cold weather to come out and vote, and elongated queues were noted in many of the metropolitans, and districts of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Karachi had a dismal show as election staff at many of the polling stations were either missing, or had a delayed initiation of ballot process. The fact that polling continued uninterrupted by and large across the country, and there wasn’t any noticeable law and order eventuality made it a calm and smooth affair.

The government’s decision at the dawn of day to shut down cellular access was widely seen as an intervention to influence the ballot. The Amnesty International, as well as foreign observers, took it with a pinch of salt, and it came as a last moment tool to once again disenfranchise the vote. But a salute goes out to law-enforcement personnel who made sure that the entire process went unhindered, and that too with a sense of serenity.

As official results will pour in over the day or so, the trend is close to call. But what looks most likely — based on the trend obtained from the initial results — is that it is going to be a hung parliament. Even the ex-PDM allies cobbling an alliance together will still fall short of a simple majority, and this is where the trial and tribulation process of overt and covert engineering will be witnessed. So seems to be the case with Punjab assembly which is in a tough contest and unrelenting till late night. The sole exception, however, is K-P, which is going the PTI way.

The day, nonetheless, belonged to PTI-backed Independent candidates, as they were seen leading in most of the early results. The PML-N trailed behind in Punjab, whereas the PPP was found struggling for a third place but with a thumbs-up, at least, in Interior Sindh. The MQM was in a shock and awe as it found the minion Independents and Jamaat-e-Islami to be tough contestants in Karachi. Though the fate was yet to be decided till our going to the press, it was evident that PTI had made an immeasurable impact on the hearts and minds of voters, and its supporters overcame all odds such as confusion in identifying the symbols to pressure tactics of their adversaries to stand tall and get noticed. Moreover, the credit goes to PTI’s resilience for being part of the poll process and refusing to boycott it in adversity. But it will still be a challenge for the Independents-elect to hold their ground, and not to get influenced by temptations.

February 8 elections will be remembered as an exception in Pakistan’s history. They were held at the height of political instability, nosediving economy and a simmering security situation. Moreover, harassment, victimisation and institutional intimidation along with breach of constitutional dictum went swinging all around. But the fact that the people of Pakistan have made a choice, and have voted for parliamentary democracy must come as a soothing consolation. Time to respect their verdict and uphold it.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 9^th, 2024.

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