Pakistan is facing a multitude of problems, including an economic meltdown, political polarization, and a fragile state institution. The ongoing month of March is highly likely to witness fundamental changes in the country as it grapples with these issues. However, a recent announcement by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) threatens to escalate tensions and cause further institutional fragility.
Contrary to the Supreme Court’s order, the ECP has postponed the Punjab Assembly election, scheduled for April 30, to October 8. The Supreme Court had ordered that elections to the Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provincial assemblies be held within 90 days of the assembly dissolution or the closest date. This postponement not only violates the constitution but also denies the people of Punjab and K-P their legitimate right to elect their representatives.
The power-hungry elites in Pakistan are to blame for the current state of affairs. Their imprudence and short-sightedness have shaped their perceptions, and they are only interested in clinging to power for as long as possible. This disregard for the vote threatens national security, sovereignty, economic wellbeing, and political stability. Confusion and incoherence persist on issues of national interest.
None of the constituent parties of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) is serious about complying with the Supreme Court order to hold elections within the constitutional timeframe. The ruling coalition is using the excuse of the prevailing financial crisis to delay the vote and maintain the status quo to serve their political interests. They are scared of the popularity of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the opposition party, which has failed to deliver since it dislodged the PTI-led government through a vote of no-confidence in April last year.
The situation in Pakistan is further complicated by the institutional collision that appears to be looming. On one side, there is the executive, the election commission, On the other side, there is the opposition, the judiciary, and the presidency. The incumbents’ efforts to deny the people their right to vote in Punjab and K-P point towards a fragility and vacuum of strategic decision-making. This threatens to further escalate the prevailing crises.
When the federal government and the election commission disregard the Supreme Court’s order, the outcome is not difficult to gauge. It violates the Constitution and threatens to cause a head-on collision between the top court and the electoral watchdog. This does not bode well for a country grappling with multiple crises.
Pakistan needs to resolve its issues urgently. An unmanageable economy and poor governance tend to augment popular resentment against the incumbent government. The power-hungry elites must put the interests of the country first and ensure that the people’s voices are heard. They must comply with the Supreme Court’s order and hold elections within the constitutional timeframe. This will help restore political stability and ensure that the country can move forward
