Denting the election’s credibility
The people of Pakistan exercise their right to elect their representatives on Wednesday. The election will mark the continuity of the democratic system without interruption since 2002. This continuity signifies political stability and fosters optimism about economic prosperity. Unfortunately, however, domestic developments in the last week are not encouraging for the election’s credibility.
Perceptions about cheating will haunt and weaken the newly elected government. Thus despite the poll being held on time, political stability seems like wishful thinking due to the anti-establishment and anti-judiciary narrative of major political parties.
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League — Nawaz (PML-N) have openly criticized the security establishment since the announcement of the election. The Muttahida Majlis–e–Amal (MMA) religious political alliance also seems uncomfortable. The Awami National Party (ANP) and other regional political parties have expressed concerns.
They claim that there is not a level playing field in the election. Ironically, instead of acknowledging their internal shortcomings and their lack of a participatory culture, the political elite is simply accusing the establishment.
Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and his son-in-law were convicted and imprisoned by the Accountability Court. On Saturday, Hanif Abbasi, PML-N candidate for National Assembly seat NA-60 Rawalpindi, was convicted for misusing ephedrine and handed a life sentence. With the conviction, Abbasi was disqualified from contesting the election.
Despite the poll being held on time, political stability seems like wishful thinking due to the anti-establishment and anti-judiciary narrative of major political parties.
Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal
Only four PML-N candidates have been disqualified. Nevertheless, the party’s leadership has intelligently used the court decisions to muster the sympathy vote by articulating a narrative of victimhood. Perhaps such a narrative dents the credibility of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
The bombshell speech by Islamabad High Court Judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui has traumatized the nation. On Saturday, he claimed that intelligence agencies were meddling in judicial affairs and manipulating proceedings against the Sharif family.
Pakistan’s Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar disagreed with Siddiqui, saying: “I felt saddened to read the statement of an Islamabad judge. As the head of the judiciary, I assure you that we are not under any sort of pressure.” The army has demanded a “process to ascertain the veracity of allegations leveled against state institutions.”
Another factor that dents the election’s credibility is the claim by a few media groups that they are facing censorship. This claim is debatable. Pressurizing media to follow the code of conduct prescribed by the regulatory authority is viewed by many as a restriction on media independence. Michael Gahler, chief observer of the EU Election Observation Mission (EUEOM), concurs with media accusations about restrictions.
“We are greatly concerned about the restrictions on the media,” he said. “The media have a vital role to play in an electoral process, and attempts to stifle the media undermine democracy and disadvantage the voter.” The EUEOM’s apprehensions strengthen the argument by political parties that claim there is no level playing field in the election.
In summary, the widespread allegations of electoral meddling and media censorship undermine the poll’s credibility. A potential revival of political demonstrations and hate speech could haunt the next government.
– Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal is an Islamabad-based analyst and professor at the School of Politics and International Relations, Quaid-i-Azam University.
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