Editorial
The most crucial Pak polls
Let the people have a peaceful and fair vote
PAKISTANIS go to polls today under international gaze and regional spotlight. Many people look at this election as Pakistan's precious opportunity to transit from a disguised military rule to a civilian elected government. Given unalloyed liveried authoritarian rule in the country for a greater part of its 60-year-long history, the people's longing to see a true democracy flourish has only intensified over time into a virtual crescendo. Pro-democracy agitation centring around Musharraf's ruthless handling of highest judiciary to replace it by his own men, his dubious trickery in securing second term as president by doffing, had added a tremendous value to this election. The stakes grew even higher for the democratic forces with the assassination of charismatic PPP leader Benazir Bhutto and the events following the tragedy.
We share some of the concerns being aired by keen observers of the Pakistan's electoral scene. One of the worries emanated from the wave of suicide bombings that killed and injured hundreds, including the latest one in northwest frontier province on the last day of the polls campaign. The extremists seem to be aiming at foiling the election, or short of it, at reducing the voter turn out on the election day affecting its credibility. It is noteworthy though that the suicide bombings are concentrated in the tribal region bordering Afghanistan.
However, we attribute lack of democracy and popular support behind Musharraf's fight against terror to his failure to head off religious extremism and threats of terror from across the border.
The pre-election predictions have been a source of worry. Two possible scenarios are being talked about: first, the PPP and the PML(N) are likely to sweep the elections. Musharraf loyalist PML(Q) finds itself under pressure. Secondly, the election commission has to beware of possible rigging.
Given the make or mar potential of the election, we would urge the Pakistan government and the election commission to prove true to their pledges of holding free, fair and credible elections and the political parties to refrain themselves from all provocation to violence and maintain vigil on the possible machinations of the terrorists.
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