A new federal cabinet has taken charge in Islamabad. A government of technocrats is firmly in control and could stay for an indefinite time given that elections have been delayed.
The election commission said the new delimitation of constituencies based on the latest digital census would be finalized by December 14. After that, the commission will confirm an election date. The process would see the elections pushed back several months, possibly until February or beyond.
In the interim cabinet, former central bank chief Shamshad Akhtar has been appointed as finance minister and Pakistan’s former ambassador to the United States Jalil Abbas Jilani named foreign minister. The cabinet members are from diverse backgrounds and suggest the key political parties have not influenced to get plump posts.
Since the cabinet is set to stay for a longer period, its main job will be leading the country towards economic stabilization as the economy treads a narrow recovery path after a last-minute bailout deal from the IMF and averting a sovereign debt default. Recent economic reforms have led to historic levels of inflation and high interest rates which have burdened the masses and businesses.
The Supreme Court could play its role in ensuring that elections are held on time. This seems unlikely as the CJP is set to retire early next month. He held a detailed meeting with Chief Election Commissioner and it seems that the elections will be held as per the new census. The CCI meeting which approved the census result has been challenged but the top court has not fixed hearing.
The importance of upholding the Constitution and holding elections on time has been stressed enough. A delay for even a single day is a constitutional violation and will be a setback for democracy. There are concerns that if the caretaker set-up stretches beyond its constitutional tenure, a prolonged period without an elected government would allow undemocratic forces to consolidate power.
The PTI had accused the previous PDM government of dragging its feet over the elections to avoid facing Imran Khan. But now with Khan in prison and out of the polls, it is bewildering why the elections should be delayed. It could be the disillusionment with the politicians or those aspiring to undermine the democratic setup have been emboldened by the lack of accountability.
