ISLAMABAD: As the election preparations hit fever pitch, political parties have started vetting candidates for the award of tickets, but the former ruling party, the Pakistan Tehreek-Insaf (PTI), alleges that it is denied a level playing field as the entire process is being manipulated to give its arch-rival, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), as easy walkover.
Political analysts say that the upcoming election should not only be credible but it should also look free, fair and transparent in order to ensure political stability in the country post-2024. Otherwise, they fear that political chaos would ensue which would make economic recovery extremely difficult, if not impossible.
These analysts were speaking in the Express News political talk-show, “Experts”, moderated by anchor Dua Jamil on Wednesday. In her intro, Dua said that PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has declared that Imran Khan would contest the election from three constituencies. However, PTI lawyer Barrister Ali Zafar Khan raised serious concerns over the fairness of the process, alleging that the nomination papers of their candidates are being seized and torn.
“This is the first time in the history of our country that nomination papers are being snatched and torn. In the past, everything used to be stage-managed discreetly,” Ayaz Khan, Group Editor Daily Express, said while speaking in the show. He voiced concern over the alleged interference in the electoral process. Khan doubted that all political players are being treated equally and suggested that Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa faces a significant test to ensure a level-playing field for the future of democracy in our country.
Naveed Hussain, Chief Editor of The Express Tribune, concurred. “Although there has never been a transparent election in our country, but the blatant manipulation we see today is unprecedented,” he said.
“The first and second-tier leadership of PTI were thrown behind bars, some of them were coerced into quitting party and politics, while others were forced to join a new king’s party, Hussain added. “Now, the third and fourth-tier leadership, I mean those who want to contest the elections, are being targeted. Their homes are being raided and their nomination papers are snatched and torn and some are being coerced into pulling out of the electoral race.”
According to Hussain, the 2018 election was blatantly manipulated in favour of PTI and political instability ensued which continued for five years. “Now, the 2024 election is being stage-managed in favour of Nawaz Sharif and his PML-N. You cannot expect it would lead to political stability in the country,” Hussain said.
He foresees political chaos post-2024 election. Pakistan’s political sovereignty is tied to economic sovereignty and economic sovereignty is not possible without political stability, he added.
While speaking on his part, Amir Ilyas Rana, Express News Bureau Chief in Islamabad, advised the PTI to name the people who it believes are behind their woes.
Rana fears Imran Khan’s candidacy could be challenged if the Islamabad High Court upholds his conviction in the Toshakhana case in which a lower court has sentenced him to three years in prison and disqualified from holding a public office.
Rana expressed hope that as the election campaign progresses, a level playing field would be offered to all parties contesting the upcoming elections.
Faisal Husain, Express News Bureau Chief in Karachi, agreed with Rana, saying he doesn’t believe Imran Khan would be allowed to contest the elections, which would adversely impact both the electoral process and the performance of the government formed in its consequence.
However, Faisal claims that Imran Khan is not fighting against any political party – rather he is fighting the establishment. “Khan is not concerned about democracy. He wants the establishment to pick him, to befriend him,” he added.
Mohammad Ilyas, Express News Bureau Chief in Lahore, meanwhile said that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should look into PTI’s allegations and address them to ensure transparency in the electoral process. He also believes denying Imran Khan the opportunity to contest the elections could undermine the legitimacy of the elections. –Agencies
