The writer is an actor, anchor and columnist
May 11, 2013 — with a 60 per cent voter turnout, democracy finally came to Pakistan — or did it? What we witnessed that day was scores of people — young, old, handicapped, pregnant and able-bodied all standing in line, many for the first time, to exercise their right to elect their representatives. We saw these people standing for eight to 12 hours in the scorching heat, with no shade and no one to redress their woes. Many polling stations opened late or remained closed, with polling officers absent and ballot papers and boxes missing, making it impossible for people to cast their vote. At other polling stations where everything was available, people were either beaten or forced into voting for a certain party candidate or simply made to wait so long that they would get frustrated and leave. However, we also saw something we had not seen since the earthquake in 2005 or perhaps, since 1947 — the spirit of the peace-loving people of Pakistan and their ability to unite for a common national cause.
What we saw were the young and able-bodied facilitating the elderly to move ahead in the line to vote, women giving up their places for those who were pregnant, people from neighbouring houses bringing out chairs for the elderly and offering them shade inside their homes, informed voters guiding others regarding the correct voting process, and people distributing food and drinks to weary voters. And all this was done just to ensure that no one would leave without casting their vote. On May 11, 2013, Pakistanis came out in droves in the hope that they would change the destiny of their country. Today, they refuse to go back until they are given back their right to bring that change.
Yes, democracy has finally come to Pakistan. Its youth is tech-savvy and informed, its elderly are hopeful again, its educated silent majority has awakened and all because they have found leadership that gives their aspirations a voice. Imran Khan and the PTI have emerged as a force to reckon with despite the rigging that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) may not acknowledge. The PML-N has come out a major winner in many constituencies based on its developmental performance. The ANP has been shown the door by its populace who have the courage to embrace change — a tradition they have kept up since the referendum of 1947, where they opted to become a part of Pakistan despite the following enjoyed by Bacha Khan. The PPP and the PML-Q have largely failed.
Many questions come to mind here. Why is the turnout for “change” not reflected in the election results? Why did the ECP not involve the army to ensure a fair election? Why did political forces not give democracy a fair chance? Most voters went through the democratic process expecting the PML-N to win enough seats to form the government and the PTI to garner enough strength to form a strong opposition — the two elements that would ensure good governance for a better Pakistan. Today, too, they have not given up hope. Their protests are not in response to a party’s call. It is a voluntary decision to call out to the claimants of democracy, to give them back their right to elect those they trust. This is the ultimate test of the caretaker government, the ECP, the civil administration, the media and the government and opposition in-waiting. Will they restore the mandate of hope for change through democracy? Because today, democracy is protesting — tomorrow it may not.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 18th, 2013.
COMMENTS (10)
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In Pakistan democracy means just counting Heads without brains, realization, vision, integrity and self-respect. Where people just vote for getting a favor, violation of merit and snatching opportunities.
Nice article, and I would negate all those comments which say that the author is enforcing the views of urban elites.
If what happened in Karachi on 11th, was democracy... then I certainly disagree with u.. We r being played.. They fooled us.. My vote was for Change.. But Changed my vote.
As an Indian I believe that democracy and stability in Pakistan is of paramount importance for the peace, stability and development of the subcontinent and I was very hopeful about the elections and subsequent transition of power from the previous elected regime to the newly elected one. But I find it very unsettling to go through the news items related to poll-rigging and all that is happening on facebook, twitter and other websites. Even more worrisome is the fact that almost everyone is making blanket statements and not many have tried to quantify these complaints of alleged poll-rigging like the author of this article (first paragraph) hence casting aspersions on whole electoral process (deliberately or inadvertently) which does not bode well for the legitimacy of incoming regime and Pakistan’s overall international standing. As per FAFEN report major irregularities were found in 49 out of 8000 polling stations sampled which comes to about half a percent. Even if it is a bit more, my advice would be (even if unwelcome for some) to accept the results with a pinch of salt, use the lessons learnt to ensure more fairness in future and MOVE ON. Peace.
@wowemkay: ,Thats exactly how change comes. People are demanding their rights against the powerful rather than sitting in their drawing rooms fretting and complaining away on internet.. Finally people are waking up and saying NO to oppression! its just the beginning . A positive change in the attitude of our people! Finally they have taken their fate in their own hands!!
@wowemkay: Call them losers or whatever. Every citizen has the right to protest. If you being a driver getting affected, is because you are least bothered what happened to the vote you have cast. You are back to your routine with what ever you do. Please don't complain when you cannot sense the pain of those individuals.
The article is nicely written and I really appreciate author's thoughts. Keep up the good work Ma`m. God Bless you.
Elections are just a process, democracy is an attitude that needs to be learnt. The problem is that we are looking at social media and thinking that the number of followers on twitter and facebook should equal votes and seats. Unfortunately this is merely an illusion. Protest is a right but does not mean that the protestor is always right and standing up for the right cause of his/her own will.
The author is enforcing the views of urban elites the sore losers in the last elections. While PTI and PML-N had a walkover in most of the Pakistan, ANP, MQM and PPP were terrorized and brutally targeted by TTP. The fact is in the areas particularly Sindh where there is not much presence of TTP and its allies the election results were not much different from 2008 and both MQM and PPP won their respective seats. On the contrary where TTP were the peak of its terror campaign ANP was totally decimated. Yet the two prodigies of TTP are gloating on their victories in those areas. Despite the reign of terror by TTP and a free license to their two prodigies PPP in its worst day secured more NA seats than PTI in its best day! PTI which consists of most of Mush’s supporters including IK does not realize that voter’s power resides in the heartland not among the urban elites. Fortunately the local educated “simple” Pakistanis are much greater in number than those elites who cherish dictatorship after election defeat. Democracy derives its strength by the loser accepting people's verdict. ANP and PPP were defeated badly. Even they suffered rigging against them but the extent of defeat made them accept the verdict. PTI should learn from the ANP in particular.
Looking at a corner of Karachi or Lahore and jumping to the conclusion that democracy is on its way, is a bit premature. Democracy is multi faceted package in which all departments have to function with the sole intent that the country and the people benefit. Until that happens its same-old, same-old.