Pakistan - An impetuous Imran

PTI needs to learn to be patient

There were irregularities in NA-125; more have been discovered in NA-122. But do these constitute sufficient proof of systematic rigging? In the case of NA-125 the tribunal had exonerated the winning candidate of any wrongdoing, holding the RO-led election staff responsible for the irregularities. It remains to be seen what the tribunal has to say about NA-125.

Initially the PTI had hinted at bribe having played a role in the success of the PML-N candidate but the charge was not pressed. Imran Khan, however, demanded that the ECP hold the Presiding and Returning Officers accountable. But are the ROs alone responsible? Political parties have to accept that they do not have sufficiently trained Polling Agents capable of detecting the irregularities and getting them stopped at the polling stations. The Election Commission provided the handbook for the guidance of the ROs and DROs late while the ROs received their appointment notifications only 15 days before the elections. To cap it all, the ECP failed to get ballot papers printed in accordance with the schedule.

Imran Khan demands elections this year. Instead of showing impatience he has to wait for the verdict of the Judicial Commission that he had himself asked for. There is a need on the part of all the parties to assist the Judicial Commission in its findings.

There are reports of the PTI leadership preparing for protests soon after a verdict is out on NA-122. Both the PML-N and the PTI should accept whatever judgment is given and take recourse to the Supreme Court in case they find it unsatisfactory. Protests by any party are likely to be interpreted as an attempt to pressurise the courts. All the more so when the proceedings of the Judicial Commission are continuing. What is needed on the part of PTI is to help improve the working of the ECP and the entire election machinery after thrashing out the issues in the Parliamentary Committee for Electoral Reforms.