Senate elections and democratic process in Pakistan
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There are no dull moments on Pakistan’s political scene. The recent senate polls and especially the election of Pakistan Peoples Party leader and former Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gillani proves this statement. A lot has been said and written about the Senate, but one thing is for sure that it was a pivotal moment in the country’s recent political history and will be remembered for a long time.
Gillani is not a political novice. Hailing from an influential and famous family of Multan, he is a seasoned politician and known as a Bhutto loyalist. His political career spans over four decades. Gillani also has the distinction of serving as the 17th prime minister of Pakistan, as well as the speaker of National Assembly. In 2008, he was unanimously elected as prime minister by a coalition of four political parties which reflected his stature and acceptance. In addition, he is also the only prime minister so far to have presented five consecutive federal budgets.
The recent election to the upper house of Parliament brought a hailstorm of allegations and assertions of interference and pressure upon members of Parliament, especially those from the opposition. Many rumors swirled about pressure from the establishment on political leaders and parties before and after the election. Unfortunately, their role proved to be a factor in the elections.
The handling of senate elections especially for the Senate chairman by the government put in question competence and transparency. It is regrettable that the election for the chairman became so controversial, as it should have been a transparent process for the sake of democracy and national integrity. Indulging in such grey practices for short-term petty goals has only hampered the volatile democratic process in the country, and exposed political immaturity once again.
Considering Gillani’s experience as a political leader, speaker, and prime minister, he was the perfect choice for the post. As he was a joint candidate for prime minister in 2008, he is now a joint candidate of the opposition Pakistan Democratic Movement alliance for the Senate chairman. Yusuf Raza Gillani has shown time and again that he is an impartial figure who could have taken everyone along, which is exactly what this position demanded. In today’s turbulent political climate, he would have brought a calmness and restore dignity and neutrality of the upper house, the way he did in the lower house as prime minister. He was probably the only prime minister of the country who regularly attended National Assembly sessions. His record as a parliamentary speaker already shows the exemplary precedence he set in that position.
It is high time that maturity is shown by political leaders and parties for the democratic process to evolve, and for institutions to be strengthened. At the same time, any unnecessary attacks on institutions for doing their work will only destabilize democracy and hurt the political parties in the long run.
Sehar Kamran
In addition, it should not be forgotten that despite getting convicted by the Supreme Court for contempt of court, Gillani harbored no ill will against the judiciary. He offered no incendiary speeches against any institution, which is exactly the kind of political maturity our democracy and country needs right now. In today’s challenging times, he is a figure who could have strengthened national unity, maintain impartiality, and added value to the democratic norms as Senate chairman.
Undoubtedly, the future and progress of the country is in strengthening and respecting democratic norms. All institutions need to work and operate within their constitutional ambit for the betterment and development of democratic norms which will in-turn strengthen Pakistan.
On the other hand, it is significant that our institutions maintain neutrality especially when it comes to political matters. It cannot be denied that we have a bitter past and a long history of establishment’s meddling in political affairs, and it is high time we moved past that to not only invigorate democracy and bolster national institutions but also improve Pakistan’s image globally.
It cannot be denied that strong and stable institutions are a requisite for a democracy. It is high time that democratic maturity is shown by political leaders and parties for the democratic process to evolve and for institutions to be strengthened. At the same time, any unnecessary attacks on institutions for doing their work will only destabilize democracy and hurt the political parties in the long run. Recent attacks by Prime Minister Imran Khan against the Election Commission of Pakistan are unbecoming of his position as premier. He should be cautious and exercise constraint, as it sets a wrong precedent.
Pakistan belongs to all of us, not just one political leader, party or institution. It is pertinent that we all play our due roles to strengthen democracy and development of the country within our own domains. A confrontation of any kind will only bring destabilization and chaos.
*Sehar Kamran is the President of the Centre for Pakistan and Gulf Studies (CPGS), she is a prominent politician, acadmeician and practitioner in the areas of regional, international defense and strategic studies. Twitter @SeharKamran
