It is hard to understand why this could not have been taken advantage of, and a date set after August 6, avoiding all the controversy and chaos. DESIGN: EMA ANIS/FILE
But even given this, the PML-N plea for an extension was unnecessary, given the way the numbers panned out. Its numerical strength in legislatures is such that it would have won the contest anyway. The SC then moved the date to July 30, followed by perhaps, the worst blunder of all: the PPP’s poorly thought out decision to boycott the process, with its candidate, Raza Rabbani, announcing a pullout from the contest, mainly over the apex Court’s failure to hear it before setting a date. Yes, all sides should be heard — but in the light of the broader political good, the decision not to take part is harmful, all the more so, since the final result is a predetermined reality anyway. The only issue of political interest is the MQM support for the PML-N candidate, Mamnoon Hussain, and the possible future repercussions of this.
Indeed, all the haste we are seeing, rather like the fast forward button pressed on a movie watching device, seems so pointless. With President Asif Ali Zardari’s term expiring in September, the Constitution allows ample time, stretching into October, for the poll to be held. It is hard to understand why this could not have been taken advantage of, and a date set after August 6, avoiding all the controversy and chaos we have been plunged into as a result of the unwise steps taken over a matter that could so easily have been resolved without fuss.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 28th, 2013.
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Dear ET, a) I think the constitution necessitates that the election be at least a month before the current Presidential term ends. Therefore, 6th August was the absolute deadline. b)It's no use blaming the PPP. What they have done is in fact in the interest of democracy since the polls on the 30th come directly as a result of Judicial Dictatorship.
I think it is fairly good piece but why blame the PPP. Why must ppp bear the brunt of scp all along. You should have been soft on this party. it along with ANP are the only democratic forces left in country
A thought provoking and pragmatic editorial by ET which deserves a second thought by the establishment. This decision of SC reminds me of Gen Mush who had declared emergency against his own rule. The PCO SC first chose August 6 and imposed it on the EC. Then in one day upon the request of Noon Party they again imposed a new date on EC against their own decision! In addition the by-elections should be completed before the president's election to be fair. We should not exclude the coming members of NA and provincial assemblies. I fully agree with the editorial: "Zardari’s term expiring in September, the Constitution allows ample time, stretching into October, for the poll to be held. It is hard to understand why this could not have been taken advantage of, and a date set after August 6, avoiding all the controversy and chaos we have been plunged into as a result of the unwise steps taken over a matter that could so easily have been resolved without fuss."