The PTI has managed to win 14 out of the 20 Punjab Assembly seats contested on Sunday’s bye-polls. This despite Maryam Nawaz competing with IK in addressing the election rallies and a number of PML-N ministers joining the campaign after resigning from their posts. It appears that while the army and the judiciary have dismissed the PTI’s narrative of foreign intervention leading to the fall of its government , majority of the voters have accepted it. There is a perception that while the PML-N and its allies were on a winning spree in by-elections held last year because of their narrative of fighting against the anti-people government-establishment collusion, the PDM has no powerful narrative to inspire the people this time. An anti-establishment PML-N was more acceptable to voters than a ruling PML-N which had enhanced their economic sufferings. Sharif was also accused of pandering to dynastic politics by getting his son appointed CM of Punjab. It has also been suggested that amendments made in the NAB law were aimed at benefiting the ruling alliance’s top leadership. As the PML-N nominated PTI deserters as its candidates, this too annoyed numerous party voters who refused to support imported candidates. All these factors contributed to the PML-N’s discomfiture.
There were however a number of positive developments too. By de-seating all the 20 defectors the ECP sent a message that defection carried a price. Another positive development was a significant control over violence resulting in a largely peaceful election.
The fears of the manipulation of electoral process to keep PTI out of power have turned out to be baseless. Had there been an administration level move to manipulate elections the results of the crucial by-polls would have been altogether different. This should provide IK confidence in the ECP. Instead of taking resort to power shows he would do well to persuade other players.
IK wants snap polls. Instead of issuing ultimatums, he needs to negotiate with leaders of other political parties on the issue. Another issue that needs mutual consultation is the state of the national economy. Understandings reached with the IMF and financial assistance being sought from friendly countries require a national consensus. This can be developed through talks between the government and opposition. It is time for all major parties to come together to develop consensus on an electoral schedule and matters related to economy.
