Tall talk

If Musharraf wishes to become part of the democratic system he must demonstrate respect for all other players in it.

Former president Musharraf has clearly changed, at least to some degree, following his years away from home. He appears to be, judging from an interview to this paper which was done in Dubai, calmer, and perhaps somewhat more subdued, than before. The manner in which he has gone about launching his party has been organised and, for the most part, principled. Besides, it is good that the retired general is going about the whole thing through the correct approach in that he has formed a political party and is canvassing for support.

That said, there are some things that have not changed at all. For instance, the former president still does not accept the extent to which his era gave rise to a great many of the problems we face today. Blaming his downfall on a breakdown in law and order, and holding the police chiefly responsible for this, does not really tell the whole story. His belief that he could be re-elected also seems just a trifle naïve. He has, however, had the grace to accept that the NRO was a mistake. His assessment that a breakthrough with India was close at hand also indicates the right intentions, though we cannot really be sure how realistic his analysis is.

In other respects, the ex-dictator has followed the patterns of the past. He has lashed out against civilian politicians and the politics of vendetta. It is precisely this kind of contempt for leaders chosen by people that has damaged our system in the past and prevented democracy from thriving. The fact that it continues demonstrates that the retired general still has a lot to learn. He should start thinking about these factors now. If he wishes to become a part of the democratic system, to seek the votes of people and to move to a tune not played out by the military, he must also demonstrate respect for all other players within it. These include the popular leaders he has so often denounced. The fact is, however, that they have been put at the posts they hold solely on the basis of the will of the people and Musharraf will need to realise that winning this kind of respect is a task that involves a great many factors. His party is yet to prove it possesses them.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 8^th, 2010.