Balochistan - pinning hopes on democracy

Balochistan has been rattled by the assassinations of political leaders, terrorism and unexplained abductions of political activists. Disillusioned by violence and social strife, the people of the province have not been enthusiastic during previous elections.
When the 2002 General Elections took place, the voter turnout in Balochistan was dismal. In nine out of 14 National Assembly constituencies, 30 percent or fewer voters turned up to exercise their right to vote.
The ouster of President Musharraf and the promise of democracy seemed to appeal to the inhabitants of Balochistan and in 2008 General Elections, all but five constituencies reported turnout of 30 percent or better.
The exceptions were Quettas NA-259 and NA-260 along with Dera Bugtis NA-265. In these three constituencies, even fewer people turned up to vote in 2008, than had done so in the previous elections.
The assassination of Nawab Akbar Bugti and the subsequent boycott of elections by nationalist parties are widely considered the main reasons for this aversion from the polls in these areas.
Fortunately, the upcoming 2013 General Elections have kindled hope of political conciliation and peaceful resolution of the persisting conflagration in Balochistan.
The number of nomination papers filed by election candidates in NA-259 and NA-260 stood at 34 and 40 applicants, respectively. Thats the highest in the province; and a clear indication that a wider spectrum of public leaders is pinning hopes on the ballot box.
The return of leaders such as Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Sardar Akhtar Mengal and Nawabzada Shahzain Bugti, to democratic politics is a very positive development.
Now that the nationalist parties are also fielding their candidates in the General Elections, it is reasonable to expect that the voter turnout in Balochistan will be better than it has been in previous elections.
That would be a much-needed vote of confidence for democracy in a part of the country that has been among the worst afflicted by grief and destruction.
The emergent legislators may hopefully also enjoy more public support in mobilizing the provinces natural resources for the betterment of the people of Balochistan and the country.