Elections-2013 in Pakistan: Who can win the power race for ‘CHANGE’ ?

The political pundits and media gurus have already indicated that ‘no party can get the visible majority in the forthcoming election’ in Pakistan. The pre-election situation endorses this claim that all the provinces have mandate of different political parties. ANP in KPK and with few seats in Karachi, MQM as usual ruling in Karachi, PML (N) has squeezed from the national party to Punjab centric party, PPP contains the actual power from Sindh, not vital  but still have some roots in other provinces. Before the election 2008; Jamat-e-Islami  held the heavy share in politics under the umbrella of MMA mainly in KPK and Baluchistan with few of the seats in Karachi and Punjab. However, their current political might is in a blur. PML (Q) has enjoyed the peak time under the command of their soul founder General Musharraf and now the party is in destruction as it was constructed.  JUI (F) has dedicated mandate in KPK and Baluchistan and famous for its ‘tricky & timely’ politics. The newly emerged factor is PTI on the Pakistani political horizon with a claim of ‘change’ through the youths’ support.

Vote for 'CHANGE'

Out of 342 national assembly seats, only 272 are open for election to win the contest while the rest of 70 are reserved for women and religious minorities. 172 is the target number to form the government with a clear majority or in coalition with other political parties. The election-2008 resulted the split mandate with a slight majority of PPP however, the inabilities of opposition parties and the ingenious politics of Mr. Zardari have played vital role in the completion of 5 years PPP government in Pakistan. The repetition  of split mandate is being anticipated in election-2013. If the story repeats in election results then the obvious advantage goes to parties like MQM, ANP, PML (Q) , JUI (F) and Jamat-e-Islmai.  Let the PPP, PML (N) and PTI aside for a while then these parties (above named) have the vital role in government’s formation.

MQM, JUI (F) and now PML (Q) have the only agenda of  ‘rule & power’. These parties can adjust with anyone on their terms of ‘power gain’. Other than the coalition partner in  MMA; Jamat-e-Islami has maintained the character so far and ANP knows its fences to play its possible role in KPK and Karachi only. However, ANP also does have the ‘power’ mania.

‘Change’  is the slogan of election 2013 in Pakistan. Though all the political parties are spinning around the ‘change’ shibboleth but PTI has promised to ‘change’ the Pakistan in case of triumph in the election. Putting aside the vow and claims of political parties; the on-ground situation is very interesting cum alarming.

If the PPP maintains the similar mandate then everyone knows the magic powers of Mr. Zardari to weave the political  parties in his style. In case of the PPP’s return; Pakistan’s economy and institutions are not healthy enough after the last five years ‘special treatment’ to digest the dosage again. PPP likes the ‘in-door’ change which suits them and neither they claimed publicly to change the Pakistan like other political parties. Then simply, no chance for ‘Change’ but sure chances of further devastations.

If PML (N) gets the majority to form a coalition government then what are the options to join the hands? Apparently MQM in  Sindh, JUI (F) or Jamat-e-Islami in Baluchistan and KPK. ANP is their least option but PML (N) can shake hands with them to pick the power crown. PML (N) has already publicized their promises of better economy, health & education, infrastructure, life standards, peace and security. This party doesn’t consist of ‘angels’ but their last power term has witnessed a slight improvement in development sectors. And obviously a powerful media is there to recall them their pre-election claims. However, in case of coalition government with the usual options, PML (N) can only replicate the PPP’s governing style.

PTI is  another option for future government. Unfortunately, PTI is dreaming a new ‘Pakistan’  with the veteran politicians migrated from other political parties. Why these politicians left their power hubs to join the PTI? is yet to answer. Are they changed their political ideologies and decided to serve the nation rather rule on the nation? no one is ready to answer this too.

 If PTI gets the clear majority then obviously its premature to comment on their performance. Imran khan’s vision is fabricated in golden words for a prosperous future and definitely every Pakistani wish a country as he states in political speeches.  But  in case of split mandate which is highly expected; PTI has two possible options. First to sit on opposition benches and play  a positive role within their constitutional boundaries. Second PTI can form the coalition government. If PTI and Jamat-e-Islami can grasp the required number of seats to form the government then the situation is ideal for both the parties to work on their proposed agendas. Again this is quite rare. If PTI joins any other party  for coalition government then ‘CHANGE’ is at stake. Because these supporting parties never stand for the system but for their interests. In such a setting, Imran’s metaphors of change are nothing less than daydreaming.

The real change is only possible through active participation in the election and to vote for the right person for a secure and bright future.