Daily Times

In civilised countries, political parties contest elections on the basis of their manifestos and future plans for their homeland. However, in Pakistan, it’s more about slinging insults at each other.

These days everyone is pretending to be a political analyst and talking about the pre-election scenario. However, what we should be doing is mulling over the post-election scenario.

There could be three possible outcomes of the 2018General Elections. Pakistan Muslim League — Noon (PML-N)could dominate the political scene and make a majority government. Alternatively, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) can surprise all by winning most of the seats and forming a government in the centre. There could be a last scenario where a hung parliament could take place where no single party will have a majority.

Now, let us first assume that the PML-N will get a majority, then what would be its priorities? Considering its narrative, it would work to ensure the supremacy of the parliament. It would bring the almighty institutions under the authority of the parliament through legislation. Besides, it has an experienced team for developmental works, which will further help it in taking on mega-developmental projects. This time it might also ensure its unbiased approach by equally considering smaller provinces. However, given PML-N’s past, its only focus on Punjab is adjudged as a chink in its armour.

If he wins, Imran Khan has the same counterfeit coins in his pocket that have led this country to the verge of destruction. If he tries to bring reforms, the very electables he has put his faith in will that he and his efforts for Tabdeeli fail

What if PTI makes the majority government? Given PTI’s lifelong narrative of curbing rampant corruption in the country, it’s highly likely that it will introduce reforms to curb corruption. It will try to reinvigorate the system by giving the reins of state institutions into the hands of upright people. At the same time, it will try to attract the foreign investors to invest in Pakistan. Further, it will try to reduce the void between the rulers and general public. However, the problem is that PTI leader Imran Khan has the same counterfeit coins in his pocket that have led this country to the verge of destruction. They will surely oppose any reforms that could target them.

Besides, PTI will face resistance when it will implement its foreign policy as it is not in the position to lock horns with invincible state institutions. Moreover, the electables can leave the party in the lurch if their whims are not being catered to. On top of this, it has no experience, which will haunt the party until the culmination of its tenure.

What if no party gets a majority leading to a hung parliament? In such a scenario, a weak government will be taking place in the centre. The political wheeling and dealing will be on an all-time high. Everyone would try to blackmail the other and get away with his vested interest. Furthermore, its life will be short. Resultantly, it would least be favourable for political stability in the country.

Lastly, in the light of the preferences and narratives of political parties, one can say that PML-N and PTI would bring improvement in the system. Whichever party among these two makes the majority would benefit the country. However, if a hung parliament takes place then things would not bode well for Pakistan as a democratic institution.

The writer can be contacted at asifmahsud44@yahoo.com

Published in Daily Times, June 19^th 2018.