Political Challenge

PRIME Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf`s offer to national political leaders to enter in talks with the government to `reach a consensus on national issues and to find a workable solution to the persisting crisis`` is a suggestion worthy of serious consideration by all political parties. As the uncertainty over the fate of Prime Minister Ashraf and the government itself grows, there is no mistaking that the democratic order itself may come under attack. Despite their acute differences in a fractured and polarised polity, the major political parties have shown a commendable degree of maturity and good sense in keeping the transition to democracy on track the past four and a half years.

Now, in this moment of perhaps the sternest test so far, the parties are in a position to once again present a united front against the growing talk of anti-democratic measures being contemplated in certain quarters.

Of course, the primary responsibility for rallying the political class behind democracy is the government`s. In particular, the PPP needs to demonstrate that it is committed to holding free and fair elections. The appointment of Fakhruddin Ebrahim as chief election commissioner was one step in that direction. But there is much more to be done. An independent Election Commission of Pakistan isone thing, demonstrating that the administrative machine of the country will be put at its disposal for election purposes without political interference is another thing. Then there is the challenge of finding an impartial and effective caretaker government that will see the country through the election period. Asking political allies and rivals to support the PPP`s agenda for democracy will likely be met with a more positive response if the PPP demonstrates its own good intentions and willingness to compromise first.

Having said that, the burden of keeping the democratic project on track is not of the government`s alone. The opposition, particularly the PML-N, need to be brave and bold in the critical weeks ahead.

While there is speculation that behind-the-scenes negotiations are continuing between the PML-N and the PPP on the timing of a general election and the modalities of the caretaker set-up, until a deal is publicly unveiled the old adage that there`s many a slip between lip and cup is worth keeping in mind. If a deal is struck between government and opposition, however, much of the uncertainty over the next stage in the transition to democracy will dissipate.

The anti-democratic forces appear to be waiting in the wings, so it is up to the politicians to steal centre stage and keep democracy on track.