With less than three weeks left in the upcoming general election, there is chaos everywhere. Only one out of the three major political parties has announced its manifesto, while the rest are trying to deal with an array of issues that will have a direct impact on the fairness and transparency of the forthcoming election. Perhaps, the most worrisome issue is the perception about elements within the state having a role in keeping PML-N out of power. For instance, the day before a PML-N candidate complained via a viral video of intimidation by an intelligence outfit. PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif issued a strong statement naming the intelligence agency. Hours later, the candidate withdrew his complaint and clarified ‘misconception’ about the role of ‘institutions’. While it could have been an honest mistake on the part of the candidate, it certainly left an impression that the hidden hand was at work. This is an unfortunate trend that has the potential to backfire. Concurrently, candidates in southern Punjab have returned PML-N tickets and will contest elections as independents. Details are yet to emerge but the PML-N took no time in alluding to the electoral manipulation at work. It is quite possible that the candidates may have sensed the mood of the electorate in South Punjab where a PTI wave is visible, but the entire episode has left a bitter aftertaste, and has raised questions about the way the forthcoming polls will be conducted. This confusion is further compounded by PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif’s direct overtures to the military establishment where he is beseeching for a compromise. We at Daily Times support the stance of Shehbaz Sharif that any party would require a cordial relationship with the military to conduct business of government in an orderly fashion, and that the politics of confrontation will only harm the prospects of PML-N, if comes into power. Having said that, it is imperative that the military should take precaution to ensure that the electoral exercise remains impartial and free of any doubt whatsoever. In the long-term this will work in favour of the military that is viewed by most Pakistanis as a neutral arbiter in times of political conflict. Such an image is also important to retain the widespread respect that the military enjoys. As regards the political parties, they should also refrain from maligning the national institutions. Finally, amid this chaos, the effective role of the caretaker prime minister and his colleagues is conspicuous by its absence. The caretakers are in place precisely to ensure a free and fair electoral exercise, and if there are concerns about the transparency of the polls, they must be the first to take notice. Thus far they have been lackadaisical and unable to take corrective steps. * Published in Daily Times, July 2nd 2018.