Bridging the cracks and doing democratic politics

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A wonderful atmosphere is every hundred stars. Such a serious and suspicious pre-election atmosphere has never been seen or heard. When the democratic process itself remains trampled and the results of the upcoming elections become doubtful before coming, then only a terrible scene can emerge from its interior.


The country is already facing major social, ethnic, ideological and institutional fissures. There is disturbance in north-west and south-west. The economy is not running and the business is not stopping in politics. Bhutto's political rift has not been healed yet, new political rift is being dug. The entire burden has fallen on the head of the judiciary and who will bear the burden of Pakistan Army? Political polarization is so deep and wide that politicians are blinded by rancour and mutual hatred. The conflict of interests is so severe that they are cutting the democratic branch on which they are sitting. There will be neither a winner nor a loser by forcing one party out of the field and destroying the electoral process against the will of the people. If democracy is broken, it will sink, if dangerous elements are included in political instability.


In these circumstances, a great responsibility has fallen on all political forces, institutions, especially the judiciary and the Pakistan Army. The most important role is that of the Supreme Court under the chairmanship of Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa, who has to play the role of constitutional mediator while maintaining the balance of justice. In front of him, not only is there a big political demand for equal provision of justice for the parties, but the election process has to be protected from all kinds of abuse.


Majority of our people are illiterate and they cast their vote only by recognizing the election symbol while voting. Depriving any party of its electoral symbol means that you are depriving a good chunk of the electorate of their choice. Depriving Tehreek-e-Insaf of the election symbol of bat will not only mean the denial of the constitutional and democratic rights of a party but also the denial of the fundamental right of a large section of illiterate voters. Apart from this, as the platform of Tehreek-e-Insaaf is not available for a large part of minorities and women to be elected on specific seats, their participation in the election process will be prohibited. The reserved seats without the bat mark will also be removed from the account of Tehreek-e-Insaf.


The parties in the political camp opposed to Tehreek-e-Insaaf should think that the success achieved by expelling the opposition party from the field will hang as a necklace of thorns around their neck. In my considered opinion, the only way to political stability is to hold transparent and free elections. All those political parties who believe in the democratic process should demand the provision of a level playing field for all the parties and not that PTI as a party should raise its horns on its exclusion from the electoral process.


In order to promote stability and tolerance in the political environment and to prevent hatred, it is necessary that the government and its administrative bodies announce a general political amnesty. The May 9 suspects have already served enough punishment for what they did, it would be better if they were released on bail and allowed to face the cases. People against whom there are serious allegations should be given a chance to come clean and if found guilty, they should be punished. It would be better if all political parties agree on a code of conduct to improve the conduct of elections and democratic practices. Citizens for Democracy has released a Code of Democratic Politics for Transparent Elections signed by top intellectuals, lawyers, journalists and human rights watchdogs. It is to be hoped that the political parties will ratify the following charter for democratic politics and transparent elections.


(1) Protection of human, civil and economic rights, support of equal rights of women and minorities as enshrined in United Nations Declarations, Regulations and 1973 Constitution. (2) The supremacy of the 1973 Constitution, respect for the supreme authority of the people represented by Parliament, the defense of subsidiary federalism as required by the 18th Amendment and the devolution of power and authority to the local level. (3) Protection of equal rights of all citizens without any discrimination, respect for Parliament as the supreme authority and adherence to constitutional orders by all institutions within their limits under the principle of constitutional separation of powers. (4) Freedom of expression, freedom of the media and respect for dissent, which should not be undermined by abuse and hatred. (5) Respect for the suffrage of the people who are the real owners of the power of Pakistan and the protectors of the national interests. Most importantly, free, fair and transparent elections in which all parties have equal opportunities and a level playing field and avoid excluding any party from the political process.


(6) Non-interference of any state institution or agency in the political and electoral process. Also, making the electoral process suspicious with money and illegal methods should be avoided. (7) Promotion of civilized, democratic, tolerant, ethical and quality dialogue in politics. (8) Prevention of undemocratic attempts to influence election results in any way. (9) Promotion of peaceful, civilized and legal and ethical methods in the electoral process so that the democratic system is stable. (10) Parties should focus their manifestos and programs on public welfare, public interest, especially the well-being of the working people and the eradication of poverty, poverty and inequality, and human resources for the prosperity and development of the people and the future of the youth. Emphasis should be placed on development. (11) Political opponents should be avoided by forcing them out of the field and making them victims of revenge. (12) Proclamation of amnesty. Release of all political prisoners and equal participation of all political leaders in elections. (14) Promotion of peace, cooperation and brotherhood in the country, region and the world.