As the electoral event looms on the horizon, conspicuous signs of its approach remain notably absent from the streets, news channels, newspapers, and even the social media profiles of individual politicians. To the uninitiated, the numerous false starts by the Election Commission might suggest that political parties have been lulled into a state of apathy, casting doubt on whether the event will transpire at all. Deeper skepticism surfaces, proposing a more sinister motive, with suggestions that parties have meticulously assessed the costs and benefits, deeming the entire electoral process an exercise in futility, where the powers-that-be will ultimately dictate the outcome.
One persistent truth about skeptics worldwide is that, more often than not, their suspicions bear merit. A closer examination reveals that despite a surge in popularity, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) maintains a low profile in the lead-up to the polls. Despite prevailing positive sentiments, the party finds itself entangled in legal battles and the looming threat of imprisonment. Notably, in constituencies where the party vote does not surpass that of individual candidates, these candidates have opted to align with the two emerging parties on the political scene.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is reminiscent of the PTI in 2018, albeit with gloves off this time. Grappling with economic challenges, exacerbated by negative press that disproportionately affects Ishaq Dar’s party more than the Kakar administration, the PML-N faces resistance even in its traditional strongholds. While the party successfully organized a massive rally in Lahore, it can’t be unequivocally categorized as part of an election campaign but rather as a one-time show of strength.
Interestingly, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) stands out as the party capable of running an electioneering campaign, particularly in its stronghold, Fortress Sindh, where it maintains solid support. Contrary to simplistic assumptions about feudal pressures in this highly urbanized province, voters seem responsive to a combination of development initiatives and political posturing. The PPP benefits from not having to grapple with the economic challenges faced by the PTI and the negative economic press dogging the PML-N.
However, even with the freedom that the PTI lacks and the absence of economic scrutiny faced by the PML-N, the PPP’s potential for a robust election campaign has not materialized. A rumored rift between the father-and-son duo leading the party, evident in a recent news channel interview, has thrown a spanner in the works just when momentum seemed to be building.
In summary, unless one considers the farcical elections orchestrated by in-office military dictators, the impending elections in Pakistan appear set to be the least dynamic in the country’s history. Upon reflection, even the 2002 polls, despite their controversies, exhibited more enthusiasm, granting the then-out-of-favor PPP the largest percentage of the popular vote.
