Balochistan and the election

Without Baloch nationalist parties, the results of 2008 elections had to be taken with a large spoonful of salt.

The 2008 elections, although among the freest and fairest in our chequered electoral history, were somewhat marred by the absence of the PTI, the JI and the Baloch nationalist parties. It was the boycott by the Baloch nationalists that most affected the elections since they command significant followings in the province. Without them, the results had to be taken with a large spoonful of salt. This time around, we likely will see the participation of most nationalist groups. The Chief Election Commissioner, Fakhruddin G Ebrahim, met Baloch nationalist leaders and assured them of security at the polls and urged them to contest the elections. He even agreed to extend the deadline for filing nomination papers by two days to facilitate the participation of the nationalist groups.



It is certainly true that not all parties in Balochistan will contest the elections. There is a hardcore separatist movement that could never be convinced to take part in the polls or cooperate in any way with the centre. This is precisely why the agreement by nationalist parties to be a part of our electoral democracy is so vital. If they can conclusively show that it is possible for fair elections to be held in Balochistan in an atmosphere that is not shrouded in fear and mistrust, the nationalist parties may be able to peel away support from the separatists. This will be a heartening development for those who want Balochistan to be given the rights it has so cruelly been denied while still wanting the province to be a part of the federation.

The success of elections in Balochistan may ultimately depend on Sardar Akhtar Mengal, the chief of the Balochistan National Party. Returning to the country after a four-year self-imposed exile, Mr Mengal has hinted that he may take part in the polls. At the same time, he has also called for the Baloch people to be given the right to self-determination. Which side he eventually comes down on will have a significant bearing on Balochistan’s future. The election commission has the equally important task of ensuring that polls in the province are held without fear among the general population and malice from the security agencies. If this does not happen, the Baloch people may never take part in general elections again.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 30^th, 2013.