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.
