EDITORIAL: The way KP (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and Punjab governors have avoided giving dates for provincial elections, despite ECP’s (Election Commission of Pakistan’s) suggestions, seems to vindicate PTI’s (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s) concerns that the PDM (Pakistan Democratic Movement) government is doing what it can to delay the polls. Their letters to the ECP, especially – citing “alarming law and order situation” in KP and “dire economic situation” in Punjab – advising it to consult relevant stakeholders before announcing the dates leaves little doubt about their strategy.
But since the constitution unambiguously mandates an election within 90 days in case the national or any provincial assembly is dissolved, PDM’s leadership should be clear that in fiddling, or attempting to fiddle, with this provision it is effectively playing with fire. Everybody can see that the ruling alliance is just as desperate to delay all elections, provincial and national, as PTI is to hold them immediately. That is because the latter is riding a wave of unprecedented popularity just when the former’s ratings are at a record low. But dragging the doctrine of necessity out of its grave at this point, when the country’s politics is so polarised and bitter, is unlikely to bring it any relief.
Instead, PTI will go to town on it, calling it yet another assault on the constitution, and there’s little the courts, where the matter will ultimately lead to, would be expected to do except agree with the fine print in the sacred document. That will only create more confusion and more bad blood at a very sensitive time. And this move might end up being another self-inflicted wound as PDM grudgingly moves towards the elections. It is, however, true that the country faces grave challenges in the form of economic and security crises. But that does not mean that the business of the state cannot go on. It has dedicated institutions to deal with all such issues and there is nothing to even suggest that something like an essential election can stand in the way.
And since it’s the ECP’s business to ensure proper and impartial elections, it must press upon all stakeholders, while remaining within its operational jurisdiction, that the mid-April dates it earlier suggested for elections to the two assemblies should be considered more seriously. Then it’s best if all parties go about their campaigning and leave the rest to the voters. There’s also no doubt that the timing of the two elections, and the resources they will take from the kitty when it is already deep in red, will push the country into uncharted waters. But, again, that is not enough of an excuse to accept or reject articles of the constitution at the whim of the ruling party.
It would have been much better if the country’s leading political parties had the maturity required of them, and settled such matters at the negotiating table instead of dragging them onto the streets and into the courts. When they can’t sit together even for the sake of the country, or discuss issues like the threat of terrorism and sovereign default, there is little hope of things improving even after these elections are held. Therefore, the best they can do is at least respect the constitution and let it guide their decisions; especially those that can lead to a lot of confusion and controversy and cause damage to the public as well as the economy.
If, as it seems, PTI is right and PDM is indeed looking to delay elections in Punjab and KP, and later the general election as well, it is advised to rethink this strategy instead of wasting any more time on something that is bound to run into a brick wall sooner or later.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2023
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