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A Referendum to Stifle Democracy once and for all


The world really did not take notice of the referendum on himself that Pervez Musharraf announced. Almost a complete silence towards this event in Pakistan is disturbing in the sense that the world seems to have resigned to the fate of realpolitik. Earlier Musharraf promised for an election to install a democratically elected government. Now, he conducted this referendum to justify his continuation in office. Musharraf is the fourth from Military who came to power promising a prosperous future for their country. The excuse that civilian leaders let the people of Pakistan down still seem to have charm amongst people as well as military dictators in Pakistan. Remember that Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan and Zia-ul-Haq preceded Musharraf. None of them rejuvenated that land. All of them plunged Pakistan in war, economic disaster and complete breakdown of political system in that country. There was a calculated attempt not to allow democracy to flourish in Pakistan. Its military is yielding to such external attempts. People of Pakistan should realize this and help in building their democratic institutions. In the short run, in an immature democracy there would be myriad problems that would exasperate the citizens. They should be accommodative and mature enough to patiently allow the democracy to grow. In the long run, democracy is the best form of governance for a common man. Whenever things went tough, the Islamic Fundamentalism was fanned up and that went against the democracy. India should also learn a lesson from Pakistan's fifty years of bad experience. o pending cases as this prohibits all comments on an issue as soon as the matter becomes sub judice.

The political writ that the Pakistani people have been compelled to endure for more than 50 years is pitiful. Unless this is changed, Pakistan and in fact the whole region would not enjoy peace and stability. The presidential referendum in Pakistan on 30th April 2002 on whether or not the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, should continue for a further period of five years sharply polarised society. At the time of writing this article, although it was not clear how many of the 60 million eligible voters turned up at the polling booths to exercise their option, the President claimed a huge turnout. This election or to be technically correct, this National Referendum is different from anyone else of its sort, as the verdict of this referendum was decided even before the referendum was conducted. The focus was on the magnitude of the turn out and not on the result. The incumbent is worried only about the overwhelming majority. Gen. Musharraf claimed a "large turnout" of people and linked it to the rejection of the leadership of the mainstream and religious parties. The political parties on the other hand asserted that the turnout was the lowest-ever in any democratic exercise witnessed in the country. Even the optimists in Musharraf's side bet on 40-45% turnout. Voting was moderate till afternoon on the day of referendum but the State-controlled media maintained that it picked in the last few hours. Polling centres were set up in hospitals, railway and bus stations and clubs and commercial complexes.

Pakistan People's Party, led by the former Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto issued a statement that "the PPP salutes the valiant and democracy- loving people of Pakistan for their enthusiastic response to the boycott call by the Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy and the PPP and abstaining from the comical referendum today. According to credible estimates, the turnout throughout the country has been less than five per cent.

Amidst charges of rigging and serious irregularities by independent observers, the Pakistan President, the Pakistan Election Commission declared Pervez Musharraf, a winner in the presidential referendum. The reported 58% turnout of which 98% positive vote for Musharraf has raised several eyebrows in Pakistan. It should however be noted that even in 1997 general election the favourable mandate was only 16% out of the overall 35% turnout. The chairman of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), Afrasaib Khattak, in a statement said the referendum was marred by blatant ballot rigging and generally low turnout. "The HRCP regrets that the irregularities witnessed during (Tuesday's) referendum exceeded its worst fears.''

There are two suggestions for Pakistanis. Be patient enough and build your democratic institutions. They can not be administered by ad-hoc Generals from their army forever. They may bring an impression of resurrection of economy but they would all melt away. Only a person who is committed to democracy would serve their long-term interest. The other suggestion is that they should not shy away from participating in referendum or general elections. By not participating Pakistanis lose grip over their life.

For us, the citizens of neighbouring country, the revival of democracy in Pakistan is very important as otherwise the disease that has spread deep in Pakistan may infect us one day. We need to guard against ourselves. If anyone does not believe this prediction, please replay Gujarat clashes and scale this up to realise the potential danger that is awaiting us. Democracy has to be supported by peace and prosperity only then democracy can survive and get strengthened.


 

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