The cues from the federal ministers and other politicians suggest that elections will be held this year and within the stipulated time. The tenure of the government will come to an end next month after which the assemblies will be dissolved, paving the way for the general elections.
The future of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) remains uncertain ahead of the government’s tenure. There has been no reports of seat adjustments or contesting under same banner and all parties will contest the polls independently. After more than year of political wrangling, the allied coalition government will come to an end.
As the government’s tenure near its end, a rift emerged when PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman complained over not being taken into confidence over the recent meetings between PML-N and PPP leadership in Dubai. Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari held crucial meetings and discussed the future political scenario regarding the new interim setup and conducting general elections. The JUI-F chief expressed his displeasure over not been consulted before the meeting and even after political decisions were made. Eventually Nawaz Sharif decide to diffuse the tension and tasked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to placate the disgruntled PDM chief, keeping the coalition intact- for now at least.
The last five years have seen two different governments which deepened the political crisis. The collapse of the PTI government in April 2022 brought a long period of chaos and uncertainty. The 11-party PDM coalition government was formed in a unusual power grab. Rather than seeking a fresh mandate and holding early elections, the PDM government dragged itself to complete its tenure.
There is, however, still hope that election will be held this year and people will have the right to choose their rulers. Whether the polls will be free, fair and transparent remains another questions as there will be allegations of rigging. The beleaguered PTI may not be in a position to win but will contest with all its might. Newly-emerged players such the Tareen-led IPP will be spoilers but may not be a decisive force.
We should hope that elections are held on time as the political crisis will aggravate and even worsen the economic situation. The PDM was formed in opposition to the PTI chief and if attempts to sideline him have succeeded, the purpose of the alliance is also over. We can expect even bigger differences in the days ahead and before the next elections are held.
