Power to the People, Elections 2008Category: Current Affairs
Written by: Ammar (on February 20, 2008 - 01:21 PM)E-Mail Article to a Friend
Nobody has questioned the credibility and transparency of the Pakistan Elections 2008. February the 18th witnessed an overwhelming victory to those who held anti-Musharraf sentiments and who were opposed to the President's policies. Optimists see a smooth sail from hereon for Pakistani politics, but I do not think so. We're all set to see the new power holders up for a really bumpy ride. Lets have a quick look at the outcome of these elections in the National Assembly: Pakistan People's Party Parliamentarians: 88 seats Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz): 66 seats Pakistan Muslim League (Quiad-e-Azam): 38 seats Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM): 19 seats Awami National Party (ANP): 10 seats BNP(A): 1 seat MMA: 5 Seats Others/Independent: 40 seats
Clearly, the people have voted against the policies which we had for the last 5 years. Have a look at the 40 independent candidates - a troubling situation for our party based political culture. This is a very large number, and it is obvious that people of 40 constituencies have shunned party based politics (apparently). Somehow, I have this feeling that the PPPP and PML-N will not be able to find a working relationship together to form the government. This observation is based on the PML-N demands and their manifesto - most importantly the restoration of judges. This might result in the NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance) being thrown out, thus creating trouble for Mr. Asif Ali Zardari! From the results that I have mentioned above, 88 for the PPPP and 66 for the PML-N, if they sit together and form a government - they will have 154 seats together. The Other Bloc: But imagine the old PML-Q and MQM pair with the 40 independents, 5 of the MMA and 10 of the ANP. They make 112 seats together. Together, this number can stop any impeachment move. We just have to wait and see where our government and power swings to, but definitely the people have voted for a 'change'. Everybody has gracefully accepted the outcome of the elections and by the looks of it, President Musharraf deserves due credit for being able to carry out this exercise relatively peacefully. The result - as expected - will show us a 'hung parliament' and thinking of impeaching President Musharraf is something out of the question for now. Let us all hope for the best for the future of Pakistan. Share your thoughts by posting a Talk-Back:
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