Grabbing the Senate

Elections to the upper bicameral of the parliament are a manifest of political loyalties. This time they were also marred with contradictions. The PML-N and the PPP were seen burying their superficial differences for a while and joining hands to help their select nominees make it to the Senate of Pakistan. The unanimity of coalition was evident in Punjab and Balochistan, whereas Sindh witnessed a walkover for PPP candidates, with the lone exception of an MQM and an Independent candidate who made it to the finishing line. Nineteen vacant seats were up for grabs in the National Assembly and provincial legislatures of Punjab and Sindh, and there wasn’t any upset as the beleaguered PTI was seen furthering assumptions and theories as the electoral circus came full circle.

The only noticeable aspect was the postponement of polls in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa assembly. The tug of war between the ECP and PTI has now graduated into proper litigation. The PTI is adamant that it will not allow the “illegal people” to take oath, referring to the MPAs-elect belonging to the opposition parties. Thus, the ECP by citing an incomplete electoral college called off the ballot. This acrimony is unlikely to be addressed in real time, and it seems one of the federating units will be short of making its representatives to the upper house.

Those who made it to the Senate unbridled were Ishaq Dar, Muhammad Aurangzeb and Musadiq Malik, all three cabinet members holding their offices subject to their election. This is also a first of its kind contest, and refers squarely to the influence of dynastic and conventional politics. The irony is that the seats reserved for minorities and technocrats were filled on the premise of linkages, and little recourse was made to eligibility, distinction and impeccable character as is the demand for such qualified forums of legislation. So was the case for women seats where only those belonging to upper echelons had a smooth sailing. All political parties have a hand in crafting this favouritism, as none have stood the moral ground of backing men of intellect and public repute.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 3^rd, 2024.

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