Uncertain democracy

The chaos on the Election Day when the ECP failed to transmit results promptly due to a nationwide mobile phone network suspension highlighted longstanding deficiencies in our electoral infrastructure. These persistent problems have significantly diminished public confidence in our state institutions.

Major political parties operate undemocratically, functioning as authoritarian domains dominated by dynastic families, perpetuating their control through nepotism, coercion and patronage. As the political dynamics are unfolding after the elections, the country once again finds itself in a familiar place marked by political uncertainty. Pre-elections, PPP and PML-N engaged in a bitter feud, accusing each other of mismanagement. Given these tensions, how will this diverse group — that eyes a coalition government at the Centre — collaborate in the parliament to address the core issues facing the country? It makes me question: did the public genuinely turn out in significant numbers to endorse governance under PDM 2.0?

The majority of Pakistan’s predominantly rural and often uneducated populace remains subject to a feudalistic, coercive social and political environment. Feudal lords, in collaboration with a complicit local bureaucracy, law enforcement and thugs, wield overwhelming influence over local governance, leaving ordinary citizens vulnerable to their whims and favouritism, even dictating their electoral choices, thereby stifling political independence and freedoms. Regrettably, despite the clear expression of the public’s choice in GE-2024, certain quarters did manage to manipulate the election outcome in their favour. They must be cautioned that such interference will no longer be tolerated by the electorate, a significant number of whom have demonstrated their disapproval of such tactics. We have witnessed instances of state interference in past elections, including in 2018. But this time, the targeted party faced extensive challenges. From the pre-election period to polling day irregularities to the post-election tabulation process, efforts to undermine PTI were brazenly evident. The leaders and supporters of the party were detained, its electoral symbol was snatched, and independent candidates backed by it were prevented from campaigning. But these schemes boomeranged: the voters refused to succumb. It appears that the victimisation of PTI rather transformed it into a symbol of resilience.

Additionally, the absence of conducive political environments for nurturing emerging leaders obstructs the development of young, aspiring politicians. The lack of encouragement for grassroots political involvement and the disappearance of student and labour unions deprive Pakistan of potential avenues for grooming future political leaders and fostering a more balanced political landscape. The infiltration of carpetbaggers and electives, devoid of principles and beholden to no party or ethical standards, exacerbates democratic deterioration.

Their unchecked influence in government undermines the democratic process, pushing Pakistan further into the quagmire of corruption and maladministration. Pakistan’s democracy, lacking in both foundational principles and practical implementation of universal democratic norms, has regressed to a hollow, ritualistic exercise of periodic elections, often with predetermined outcomes. Pakistan now stands at a crossroads where it could embrace genuine democratic practices and set a new course for its future. Instead, it appears poised to regress into familiar patterns of corrupt governance and democratic malaise, squandering a pivotal opportunity for progress.

The entrenched political elite has strangled democracy in Pakistan, stifling the prospect of meaningful change. Progress can only materialise through the active participation of the electorate in demanding accountability and transparency. Pakistan must seize the moment to break free from the grip of entrenched political interests, electing a new leadership capable of navigating the country toward genuine democracy, progress and prosperity.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 14^th, 2024.

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