Election evaded is election lost

Ever since the induction of a cabal of criminals as the rulers of the country, it has been patently evident that they are neither interested in holding elections now, nor would they be willing to do so when they become due in the future. It has also been evident that this decision has the approval of their patrons and sponsors.

This has become even clearer since the interim governments have taken over to prepare for holding the elections to the two provincial assemblies (Punjab and KP) which were dissolved by the PTI leadership to seek fresh mandate from the people. In his letter to the ECP on January 31, the governor of KP, Haji Ghulam Ali, has said that “in view of the alarming law and order situation in the province and a series of terrorist attacks during the past days, it would be advisable that, before fixing a date, the Election Commission of Pakistan should consult and take into confidence the relevant institutions/LEAs as well as political parties to ensure that conduct of elections in a fair, free and peaceful manner in the province is possible”. A similar situation is likely to emerge in Punjab also.

Under article 224, the constitution clearly stipulates that “when a national assembly or a provincial assembly is dissolved, a general election to the assembly shall be held within a period of ninety days after the dissolution, and the results of the election shall be declared not later than fourteen days after the conclusion of the election”. The constitution does not provision any alternative/s to the above stipulation. Consequently, it is incumbent upon the ECP that the elections, when due, should be held as per the relevant provision/s of the constitution. According to legal experts, if this is not done, it would constitute a grave violation of the statute book which could attract initiation of proceedings under Article 6.

Let us also not overlook the reference to the need for input from the relevant institutions/LEAs before taking a decision about the timing of holding the elections. Does it mean that their input shall take precedence over the constitutional provision/s with regard to holding of elections within a stipulated period? Where is it laid out in the constitution that provides immunity to those who may violate its provisions in the matter? What would be the basis for such transgression that it could be condoned? These are mind-boggling questions that, in this age and time, we are trying to reverse the clock of constitutionality and replace it with whims and fancies of individuals, and that, too, of those who belong to the intelligence institutions and the LEAs. One knows in advance what their advice would be. Nevertheless, the question remains whether and how the transgressors of the constitution would be able to escape appropriate punishment prescribed therein.

Meanwhile, rare protests in several cities of the KP province have been staged by the elite force against the terrorist attack on the Police Lines mosque in Peshawar. It has also been insinuated that the so-called unknown people who committed the terrorist attack are known to the police. This is a rare happening which may be an indication of a deteriorating situation that is being consciously created in the province as an alibi for postponing the election there.

It has become patently clear that the incumbent criminal government, in collusion with their patrons, is trying to put off the elections knowing full well that there is no way they can stop Imran Khan from winning a landslide. Multiple options are under review in this connection. Postponing the elections and perpetuating the mandate of the interim governments beyond their constitutionally-provisioned duration is just one of them. There is also talk of imposing an economic emergency to postpone all elections, according to some credible speculation, for as long as one to three years to recoup their moorings for a fight with Khan. There is also this hydra which has been launched under the banner of “Reimagining Pakistan” which is the face given to the prospect of inducting a technocratic government for a similar time frame before going into any kind of electoral option. In case the situation deteriorates, there are also muted reverberations regarding the possibility of imposition of martial law in the country. The more it changes, the more it stays the same.

On his part, Khan has been holding back a call for general protest simply because he wants a peaceful resolution as per the constitution of the country. That would also be the best option under the current circumstances when people are being increasingly pressed for their economic survival. They are on the brink and a protest call, in the existent situation, could spill over into street violence that would quickly engulf the entire country. But it appears that the foolhardy rulers and their patrons, blinded by their insatiable lust, are bent on leaving little option for Khan to go by. The prospect of agitation draws closer with every day that passes without clarity regarding the holding of elections.

Pakistan is in a bind. It has been pushed into a dark alley by the cabal of crooks and criminals. Whichever way they may try, they are destined to lose the election which is not acceptable to them as they fear that a number of their actions specifically engineered to save their skins from the process of accountability can be reversed leading to their conviction by courts of law. That, inter alia, would mean defeating the very purpose of their original induction into the annals of power. But it is also evident that they cannot survive for long in their hot seats simply by employing implements of deception and deceit. They stand naked in the court of the people and there is no way left to hide their despicable state. The only question is whether they have even a shred of shame left within them that they would actually try to hide it?

One way or the other, Pakistan stands on the verge of change. This criminal cabal is no saviour. It is an increasing embarrassment for the country and its people. They must go. The sooner it is, the better it would be. Every day they linger in power brings the doom nearer. Notwithstanding the burlesque and fanciful solutions being mooted, holding early elections as per constitutional provisions is the only way to save the country from the looming disaster.

The writer is a political and security strategist and founder of Regional Peace Institute.
He is a former SAPM and currently a senior fellow at the King’s College London