Some recent political developments indicate the possibility of delay in the elections. Nawaz Sharif and other political leaders have expressed their concern and apprehension in this regard. It is generally feared that, in the name of purging the system of undesirable and corrupt elements, perhaps, the so-called Bangladesh Model is going to be tried in the country. An interim caretaker government backed by the Army and the judiciary may be appointed to accomplish some specific ‘goals’ before going for the general elections.
In Bangladesh, following the political unrest and prevalence of massive corruption, military-backed caretaker government was appointed to hold general election on January 11, 2007. Soon afterwards elections were postponed indefinitely and emergency was imposed in the country on the pretext of the preparation of new voters’ list and a crackdown on corruption. But that system failed and the caretaker government led by Fakhruddin Ahmed had to handover the affairs of the government to the same old political leadership of the country after holding election in December 2008. Awami League’s leader Sheikh Hasina was again elected as the PM of Bangladesh. Two years were wasted without having any significant and long-lasting impact on the political system of Bangladesh.
There have been talks of the Bangladesh model in our country for some time. The advocates and aspirants of this model in Pakistan should never forget that this system failed in Bangladesh, besides this, political and security situation of Pakistan is quite different and rather graver than that of the Bangladesh. Terrorism is seriously posing an existentialist threat to the state. Sectarian and ethnic violence has destroyed the very fabric of the state and society. Chronic energy crisis and economic stagnation have ruined the economy. In such circumstances, any political adventure would cause the country an irreparable and irreversible loss.
“All the ills of democracy can be cured by more democracy,” says famous American politician Alfred E Smith. Political and democratic institutions can only be strengthened and improved though an evolutionary process. Elections are now, just around the corner and chief Election Commissioner has been appointed with the consensus of all the political parties. Therefore, our concentration should be on the conduct of a fair and free election by ensuring a nonpartisan caretaker government. Electorates in the country should be given an opportunity to purge the system of the undesirable elements through the electoral process.
MOHSIN RAZA MALIK
Source: The Nation
