Amidst the anticipation of parliamentary elections in Pakistan, growing concerns cast a shadow over the integrity and fairness of the electoral process. Human rights groups and independent monitors have raised red flags, highlighting perceived pre-poll rigging, a government crackdown on the largest political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and an uptick in media censorship. The focus of this crackdown on PTI, led by the imprisoned former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, intensifies worries about the credibility of the upcoming elections. Munizae Jahangir, co-chairperson of the independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, voiced skepticism at a news conference in Islamabad, underscoring a dearth of evidence supporting the elections’ prospects of being free, fair, or credible.
As the country approaches a pivotal electoral moment, attention remains on whether concerns raised by human rights groups and independent monitors will be addressed. The arrest of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, has sparked chaos, leading to widespread protests, rioting, and a tragic loss of lives. The allegations of pre-poll rigging suggest a concerted effort by the Pakistan army and various institutions to thwart PTI’s success in the upcoming elections, employing any means necessary to prevent Imran Khan from returning to power.
Khan’s political ascent rode on widespread public backing, but his downfall was triggered by a clash with the Pakistani army after challenging their authority. In April 2022, the military orchestrated his removal through a parliamentary no-confidence vote, leading Khan into a labyrinth of legal challenges, encompassing around 100 cases spanning corruption and terrorism. Khan’s confrontations intensified as he openly accused former military allies of involvement in an assassination attempt, deepening Pakistan’s political fault lines. The resulting protests and unrest have seen numerous arrests and a rising death toll, underscoring the nation’s precarious state. The looming elections now face the shadow of potential violence and disruptions amid escalating tensions between the military and Khan’s supporters.
In a piece published earlier this week for the UK publication, The Economist, Khan expressed concerns that elections in Pakistan could be a farce. The Former Prime Minister wrote from prison, and criticized the country’s Election Commission for alleged biased actions and discriminatory measures against his party, PTI. He accused the Pakistani establishment of ensuring his exclusion from returning to power, asserting that they had utilized various means and a number of strategies to remove him from the political landscape and ensure that he would not be allowed to retake power. Earlier in 2022, after being ousted as Prime Minister, he accused the Army, ISI, and other security agencies of orchestrating his government’s removal under pressure from the US.
As the country grapples with these challenges, questions about the long-standing pattern of military interventions in Pakistani politics resurface. The nation has a history of military takeovers, and the periodic clashes between civilian leaders and the military have hindered the establishment of a stable democratic framework. The arrest of Khan and the subsequent unrest underscores the fragility of Pakistan’s democratic institutions. This becomes even more crucial, given the upcoming elections scheduled for February. The unrest threatens to cast a shadow over the democratic process, raising doubts about the fairness and transparency of the electoral system. The allegations of corruption and terrorism against Khan, combined with his claims of military interference, create a complex and volatile political landscape that could have far-reaching consequences for Pakistan’s future.
Pakistan’s internal struggles have implications beyond its borders, affecting diplomatic relations and geopolitical dynamics in South Asia. The unrest adds a layer of uncertainty to an already complex regional landscape, with potential ramifications for neighboring countries. The caretaker government, led by Prime Minister, Anwaar-Ul-Haq Kakar, tasked with ensuring transparency and fairness in the elections, faces consistent accusations of favoring pro-military political parties.
The rejection of Khan’s nomination papers and the apparent wholesale rejection of PTI candidates have fueled fears that the upcoming elections might turn into an undemocratic farce. The Dawn newspaper labeled the cancellation of a mainstream party through arrests, intimidation, and technicalities at the pre-poll stage as contradictory to democracy.
The history of Pakistan is marred by multiple military coups, with the military assuming power directly or indirectly several times. The most notable instances occurred in 1958, 1977, and 1999, each leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s political landscape. These coups disrupted democratic processes and hindered the country’s development. The military’s interventions have perpetuated a cycle of political instability, suppressing democratic voices and undermining the rule of law. The imposition of martial law and the suspension of the constitution during such periods have raised concerns about the military’s influence on governance. The tension between constitutional rule and the influence of the military underscores the challenges faced by the nation in establishing a stable and enduring democratic system. As Pakistan navigates its path forward, addressing these historical issues is crucial to strengthening its democratic institutions and fostering political stability.
Pakistan for now has turned into an authoritarian state where the rule of law has been thrown to the wind. The Supreme Court and other institutions of the country have been hijacked by the army. The stage has been set for the biggest election rigging in the history of Pakistan. Political opponents are treated as opposing soldiers of an enemy state. Their nomination papers are being maliciously and shamelessly rejected. While the whole world is witnessing this farce in the name of democracy, Pakistanis too are closely watching it. The elections rigging will have implications beyond the PTI’s defeat, it may herald a protracted bloodbath and civilian unrest in Pakistan.
Author is the National Convenor of J&K Students Association. He is Pursuing Masters in Conflict Analysis and Peacebuilding from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. He can be mailed at khuehamiayaan@gmail.com.
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