Daily Times

Sir: A common man’s question pertaining to the general elections is simple and easy to comprehend: whether the newly-elected leaders commit to the pre-election pledges or will those promises made to the public during electioneering slowly and gradually turn into post-election shocks! During an election campaign the state of mind or psychology of a political leader or party is, generally, if not always, one which seems promising to the extent of being hypnotic, aimed at literally sweeping the vote bank away.

Even when party manifestoes and political agendas may truly be public-oriented, behind the psychology of mesmerising promises a political leader’s ego, self, power and money interests may also be at stake and he may not compromise even with false promises!

Dancing and chanting to the tune of slogans and slogan mongering are leaders and party workers promising their hearts out such commitments that have rarely been delivered in the past. This is exactly when pre-election pledges become post-election shocks for the public. Leaders, while recalling pre-election promises, are unable to deliver them due to out-of-control party entanglements, opponents’ mud-slinging, economic deterioration, law and order situation and international pressures, gradually losing public trust and confidence.

The point is not that the leaders are unable to deliver what they promise to the public. They may deliver to a certain extent indeed. But the question is whether they deliver promises with the same vim, vigor and vitality they had during the elections.

However, the public continues to think positively and vote with high expectations, considering it a national duty. Whatever goes on with elections, promises and accountability go on. But people must always consider ground realities when considering the promises of election candidates.

Innovating, promising and delivering the spirit of self-confidence, self-actualisation and self-reliance through education, media and communication are the greatest gifts our leaders can promise, emulate themselves and deliver to the public towards a better and brighter Pakistan!

PARVEZ JAMIL

Karachi

Published in Daily Times, July 26^th 2018.