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As Pakistan approaches its upcoming elections, a cloud of uncertainty hovers over the political landscape, despite the Election Commission of Pakistan’s assurance that the polls will take place in February 2024. In a recent interview, President Arif Alvi expressed his lack of confidence in the scheduled February elections, raising questions about the Election Commission’s reliability.
It has to be said that concerns are not unwarranted because certain quarters have taken action, including filing petitions to delay polls with the excuse of inclement weather and law and order. It was also observed by many that the ECP has not yet released an election schedule, and political parties are not acting very proactively.
The stakes are high for all parties involved, leading to a growing unease among political parties. Even PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, seemingly favored by the state, has thrown his support behind the Election Commission. Persistent paranoia and doubts regarding the election’s legitimacy are expected to linger.
The situation is further complicated by the perceived bias of the state towards one side, with the PPP alleging partiality in caretaker set-ups favoring the PML-N. This alleged “lopsidedness” in caretaker governments is becoming increasingly apparent, as noted by the PPP and echoed by the PTI. Conducting an election under such conditions poses a significant challenge in terms of legitimacy.
The upcoming elections serve as a pivotal test for the country’s fledgling democracy, which has faced disruptions from military coups and interventions in the past. These elections will determine the nation’s future trajectory amid numerous domestic and international challenges. However, the credibility and fairness of the elections hinge on the independence and impartiality of the Election Commission of Pakistan. The ECP must ensure that the elections are conducted on time, in a transparent manner, and in accordance with the constitutional and legal framework of the country.
