Daily Times

The conclusion of the first phase of the Local Government (LG) elections in 12 districts of Punjab and eight districts of Sindh has given some insights into the political landscape of the country at the grassroots level. The initial trends had already set the tone for the election results. After getting the unofficial results from districts in both provinces, it has become quite clear that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) are all set to elect their mayors and chairmen. Saturday’s election has brought up a large number of independents who may play a crucial rule in the formation of governments in some districts in the two provinces. According to unofficial results for 2,664 seats so far out of a total 2,696 in Punjab, the PML-N has been leading with 1,193 seats, independents stood second with 1,065 seats, while PTI remained in third place with 285 seats. The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) bagged 47, Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q) secured 44 seats, while the Jamaat-e-Islami and Pakistan Awami Tehreek got two seats each in Punjab. In Sindh, 1,070 seats were contested and unofficial results for 1,000 revealed that the PPP led with 720 seats, PML-F stood second with 71 seats, while independent candidates secured 174 slots. PTI grabbed five, while the PML-N secured three seats in the province.

The factor of incumbency cannot be ignored to explain the victories of both the PML-N and PPP in their respective provinces. However, both parties now need to deliver if they wish to maintain their present status in the next general elections. Resentment is growing against the incumbent parties. The dismal performance of the PPP in Punjab is a cause for concern for the party leadership. It has shrunk to just Sindh. The results are shocking for the PTI as well and may reflect the fact that it has lost the trust of the people. Unless the PTI reviews its politics, it cannot improve its position. An important precedent has been set by PTI’s senior leader Shafqat Mahmood, who resigned from his position as Lahore organiser after the party fared poorly in the local government elections in Punjab. PTI chairman Imran Khan has sought a report on PTI’s defeat. It is a sensible decision on the part of the PTI chief who has called for a detailed review of the results. The PML-N is jubilant over the election outcome. PML-N leader Pervez Rashid has said that the peaceful LG elections have proved the fairness of the general elections of 2013.Though it has been proved that there was no organised rigging in the previous elections, yet the Election Commission of Pakistan has again failed to remove anomalies and mismanagement during the conduct of these local bodies elections. There were reports of various violations of the electoral procedures, breach of secrecy of voting, canvassing inside polling stations, presence of security officials inside polling stations and incidents of interference by security and election staff in the voting process as well as occurrence of violent incidents in and around polling stations on the election day. In this regard, the Sindh government’s decision to approach the judiciary to conduct an inquiry into the armed clash in Khairpur that left 12 people dead and another 15 injured, is commendable.
There are certain lessons that we can derive from these LG polls. First, our society is still passing through a process of democratic political evolution. Democratic norms and values are still in their infancy and it will take time for them to strike deep roots. Second, easy access to weapons prompts some people to settle issues through violent means. Such elements do not hesitate to take up arms and kill their opponents. Third, the level of contention is so high in our society that ordinary citizens find no other way except reposing all their expectations in the victory of certain individuals or a particular political party. In the given political framework, when the people have no access to the power corridors, the fierce contention for resources and opportunities often leads to violence. The state of deprivation, abuse of rights and everyday living experience of citizens compel them to resort to violence. It is the responsibility of all political parties to promote democratic values at the grassroots level and create awareness about the advantages of democracy among the general public. *