February 8!

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Today, the February 8, 2024 ballot is once again under the spotlight. The reason is a year of perpetual instability, societal discord and economic meltdown. Elections are a valve to synergise public sentiments as they galvanise solidarity, but not in our case. While Pakistan has a history of fraudulent elections, never ever was the verdict of the people so ruthlessly tampered and sanctity of the vote so appallingly condemned. The executive-maneuvered Form 47 still remains an enigma, and has added layers of controversy a year down the line, as neither were the poll-related grievances settled by the courts nor did the ECP live up to its constitutional duty of being fair and judicious. Moreover, the non-implementation of the July 12, 2024 majority judgement of the Supreme Court, and the ruling coalition's adamant attitude to push the opposition to the wall have rendered a severe blow to representative politics, furthering chaos to new heights.

The outcome as of today is the incarceration of hundreds of political activists, including former PM Imran Khan; ultra vires legislations such as PECA and the 26th amendment which are contrary to the spirit of the Constitution and separation of powers; and last but not least the mechanism to fragment the superior judiciary. The beleaguered dispensation, which was ushered in haste by throwing the February 8 mandate to the wind, has failed to address issues of society and economics, and has rather furthered instability. The various stints of the dialogue between the government and the PTI too were short-lived, as both failed to see from the same prism for striving a way out of the prevailing uncertainty. This phenomenon has exacerbated economic downslide, and it is quite unfortunate that donor agencies and foreign governments are holding no qualms in airing their restlessness and concern.

The way out is to go back to the basics of democracy and wholeheartedly accept the verdict of the masses. Political and economic stability are a must, and the countrymen cannot stand experiments anymore in ad hocism and exigency. The best way to put to rest the evolving fissures is going back to the masses for a fresh mandate.