Avoiding a clash of institutions
Just a few weeks ago, in an unprecedented move, the Court convicted a democratically-elected prime minister for contempt of court and sent him home. We must not forget that democracy takes a long time to take root and if it is not allowed to function normally, it is bound to be derailed.
After nine years of military dictatorship, we cannot afford to destabilise a democratic government. The judiciary is an integral part of a democratic system and it will only remain independent as long as there is a stable democratic dispensation in place. Our lordships should also take into account how such measures can affect the public perception about the judiciary. This government will complete its tenure after a few months. By acting with some restraint, the judiciary will do democracy a great favour. It will go a long way in strengthening the culture of democracy and reinstating the public’s faith in the electoral process.
The beauty of democracy is that if the public is not satisfied with the incumbents, it can vote them out. In all civilised nations of the world, this is how it pans out. Through the Eighteenth Amendment, Article 58-2(b) was abolished by parliament. Now that the president does not have the power to dissolve the assembly at will, it is hoped that we will not witness any other sword of Damocles to be hanging over parliament’s head. Let democracy take its course.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 18th, 2012.
COMMENTS (4)
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Rome is burning and Nero is playing flute.Cuting off the same branch sc sitting on! Is not writing a letter bigger crime than ethinic cleaning of minorities on daily basis?
A great balanced and timely editorial by the ET, thanks a lot for being fair and honest. Your one line says it all " judiciary is an integral part of a democratic system and it will only remain independent as long as there is a stable democratic dispensation in place." One can only hope that the power drunk PCO judges realize the sane advice that you are offering. They were in jail despite taking oath under PCO and endorsing Gen Mush's 2002 referendum as fair. That can happen again if the third force gets sick and tired of this bickering and politics. The Govt has been accused as being corrupt and now the SC of Don can also be put away with the same charge sheet as Gen Mush issued to CJ. Let us hope that both parties are reading your editorial.
The president may not be able to dismiss the government but the PCO CJ can at a moments notice, and he will dismiss this PM as well.
Then write a letter to Swiss Authorities as asked by the SCP.