Pakistan Elections 2024: Lull before the storm
- By Aasma Wadood -
- Mar 01, 2024
Pakistan’s General Elections 2024 have shown results that added to the country’s political dilemma. All political parties need a coalition to form a government. PTI-backed candidates led with 93 seats even after alleged pre and post-poll rigging.
PTI has entered a legal battle on more than 80 seats based on the form 45. PMLN, with 75, and PPP, with 54 seats in the National Assembly, aim to form the central government, which is perceived by many as a theft of the people’s mandate.
People of Pakistan made a clear choice and voted against the dynastic political system and the establishment’s dominant and unconstitutional role in Pakistan’s politics. Imran Khan remained an avatar of resilience, political wisdom, and resistance. He remained defiant and steadfast even after severe political victimization and oppression.
During the last two years, Pakistan has witnessed blatant violations of freedom of speech and human rights. The people of Pakistan have lived through the horrors but evolved politically. They have reacted severely but, through their vote, showed their trust and confidence in democracy. Sadly, their enthusiasm was not reciprocated, and the political parties rejected by the masses are set to rule the country, making political stability a rare possibility.
It is not difficult to comprehend that Imran Khan will soon resort to a political movement to regain their democratic right to rule according to the given mandate. Like in the past, any political resistance will be handled with an iron wrist.
Pakistan is confronted with multidimensional challenges, with solutions concealed in political stability that cannot be seen soon. To counter the people’s inclination and confidence toward democracy, the establishment has decided to kill people’s political will for a long time. Contrary to the people’s preference, the establishment is imposing an amalgamation of the parties rejected by the people.
The government with no limbs is all set to claim the throne. With the PPP committing only till vote of confidence, the future government will hugely depend on the establishment where quorum, amendments and legislations will be a novelty. In the Pakistan National assembly the opposition will be stronger than the sitting government. At the same time, the people’s support will reside with the opposition, making it more complex for the rulers. The PDM formula terribly failed in its last tenure, with high inflation (29.18%) and the lowest growth rate (2%). No miraculous change is expected this time with their limited potential, capacity, political capital and people’s appeal.
The allegations of massive rigging in Pakistan’s General Elections 2024 and toothless government is alarming for democracy advocates, friends and foes.
The government in Pakistan, a country with critical geo, economic, and political significance, will be at the mercy of nonpolitical entities, defying all democratic norms. It should raise a wave of concern and worry beyond borders.
The people of Pakistan exhibited their commitment to democracy through ballet. Defying all odds, they have tried to set the derailed democracy back on track peacefully. Still, the establishment, system, and the rejected political parties have chosen to test their patience unjustly. With power distributed among families and a few offices, the system is pushing people to react and respond aggressively.
On the other hand, Khan is opting for a democratic solution to the aggravating problem. For now, the mandate is stolen, power is slided to the alliance of publicly rejected parties, and Khan, with his independent candidates, enters a legal battle to reclaim their two-thirds majority. Sadly, the dynastic political flag bearers and power hubs are considering the apparent lull before the storm as their victory and the government with an image of mandate usurper is all set to rule the country of 126 million, making a mockery of the democracy.