The mission before the TTP then, is a simple one: to try and prevent the elections from taking place. It is unlikely that this strategy will succeed, and therefore, their fallback plan is to try and disrupt the elections through violence and the threat of violence. In a clear bid to this end, the TTP has threatened to strike at the ANP, the PPP and the MQM. These parties have been singled out for being “secular” and have been warned that their election rallies and leaders will be targeted, with the caretaker prime minister noting that prominent leaders from these parties face significant threats to their lives.
These are no idle threats. The TTP and their terrorist allies have shown their ability to strike at even the most well-protected targets with ease and apparent impunity. The ANP, in particular, has been a target of their attacks for years now, in both Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Karachi. The MQM has also been in the crosshairs of the militants and has seen attacks on its party members, though on a far lesser scale than the carnage that has been unleashed on the ANP. Keeping in mind these threats, the ANP has announced that the party will generally try to avoid huge gatherings and instead carry out a door-to-door campaign. The PPP, meanwhile, has launched a constituency-based campaign. While the MQM has decided to continue its public meetings, the party has demanded foolproof security. Other parties, not directly threatened, are also being cautious in holding large rallies, expressing concerns over security.
In this backdrop, calls have been made for the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the Supreme Court to take note of the threats and ensure that the elections can take place in a safe and secure atmosphere. It is difficult to see how that will be possible or how these bodies can, in fact, ensure the protection of candidates and voters alike. In the last five years and even before, we have seen that the state is seemingly unable to protect itself, let alone ensure the safety of common citizens. Therefore, to expect the ECP and the SC to do so is unrealistic. At most, these bodies can push for a delay in elections until a safe atmosphere is ensured, but there is no way of telling how long that will take. In any case, a delay will be exactly what the terrorists want, and as we have seen, acceding to their demands simply emboldens them.
There are, however, some encouraging signs: the ANP has held an election rally in South Waziristan, defying the express threats of the TTP against holding public rallies — the TTP have said they will not otherwise stop people in the area from voting — and Badam Zari has become the first woman to stand for elections from Pakistan’s tribal areas. All these are indications that the pall of fear, though intimidating, cannot silence every single voice.
For the opponents of the PPP, the ANP and the MQM, there is also little cause for rejoicing. Sooner or later, the TTP will turn their guns on them as well, as they, too, are part of a system the terrorists deem unacceptable. The sooner these parties realise that we face a common enemy, the better. The alternative is only a choice between a swift death and a slow one.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 14th, 2013.
COMMENTS (6)
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Islamabad doesn't have control over half the country - why would anyone believe that "fair elections" could take place in the half of the country controlled by militants?
"For the opponents of the PPP, the ANP and the MQM, there is also little cause for rejoicing. Sooner or later, the TTP will turn their guns on them as well, as they, too, are part of a system the terrorists deem unacceptable. The sooner these parties realise that we face a common enemy, the better. The alternative is only a choice between a swift death and a slow one". Well analysed. Mind set of so called non secular parties to be spared of targeting by TTP equals to closing of eyes by a pigeon while seeing a cat. Hopefully all will realise it sooner least it becomes too late to repent.
An apt and logical analysis. The transition of one democratic govt to another is indeed commendable in Pakistan. I full agree with the editorial views that peoples power is supreme and terrorists threat would not act as an impediment to the ongoing election process as the same was experienced during the last assembly polls held in Indian Kashmir where 65 percent people not only took part in the elections despite many threats issued by the militants but also ignored the non-participation call given by the APHC.
@Nadir: I agree with you. In fact TTP are the agents of change and most all rightwing parties have their back. No wonder these parties of change want to sit and cajole extremist terrorists and bring them to recognition. Pakistan is changing into Talibanistan.
No country in the world has caretaker govt just to hold next elections. In each country the elected govt has a right to continue till the next elected govt takes over. Yet for the sake of transparency there is a neutral setup just for fair elections. While the elections are supposed to be fair, the rightwing parties of change are free to do whatever they want. Yet the secular parties are at the mercy and threats of the extremist terrorists. Neutral caretaker or not the fanatic terrorists are making sure that the elections are not fought on level playing field. That is why there is a deafening silence. That is the way the elections would be won and new govt would be formed by the rightwing who talks about recognizing Taliban Brothers.
TTP threats are fine because they are against status quo parties and benefits agents of change. Therefore, complete silence.