Pakistan Elections: Portents of Change?

India is not just the hawks and the anchors on television, but a large motley of sane people holding sober and rational views.

And while these segments of society might be denied space in the increasingly hysterical media, there is recognition and even admiration here about the amazing prowess the people of Pakistan have made in exercising their democratic right to vote for a hopefully free and fair election.

Undeterred by mind blowing violence, and personal tragedies such as the kidnapping of former Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani’s son, Pakistanis have refused to back off from their determination to vote. The terrorists and extremists have unleashed a terrible wave of violence killing nearly 150 persons in poll related attacks, have issued threats warning the people of dire consequences if they participate in the electoral process, but have failed completely to shackle the democratic aspirations of the people. Thousands are turning up for political rallies, with the young generation virtually taking the lead to beat the drums of enthusiasm and hope. This is not just interesting for Indians watching from across the border, but “awesome” to use a favourite younger generation term.

In the midst of this the role of the Pakistan army is significant and important. Army chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani has been steadfast in his earlier promise of supporting the democratic process from the outside. And this is exactly what the all powerful Pakistani army is doing, providing security and allowing the political parties the space to battle it out on the political field. Or so it seems from New Delhi, where the “hands off” approach of the Pakistani army is being watched with tremendous interest. And like Pakistan, Indians too have not been able to sniff out a favourite army ‘candidate’ because of General Kayani’s even handed approach where he has refrained from making any political statements, or shaking hands a second longer than necessary with the political leaders in the fray. As a result the results are up for grabs, and no one in Pakistan can predict the outcome with any certainty. Kayani’s assurance to Pakistan on the eve of polling day gave an insight into the approach of the Army, “I assure you that we stand committed to wholeheartedly assist and support in the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections, to the best of our capabilities and remaining within the confines of the Constitution. I also assure you that this support shall solely be aimed at strengthening democracy and rule of law in the country.”

For once the Pakistan Army chief’s remarks in support of the democratic process were received without the usual sniggers and heavy doses of salt in New Delhi. Given the developments in Pakistan, and the inexorable march towards the elections despite the violence, there is widespread recognition here in India that the elections will be held, with the Army working alongside the election machinery to ensure this. And there can be no greater testimony to the Pakistani’s desire for democracy, than these elections that are being held because of the silent resolve of the people to face and counter the terrorists. Imran Khan’s video address from his hospital bed to thousands of his supporters in Islamabad is an indication of the aspirations propping up the violence ridden polls in Pakistan. So far the election process has been transparent, and there have been no reports of foul play by the political parties in the fray.

Interestingly, General Kayani also gave an idea of Army plans after the polls in his recent address at the Youm-e-Shuhda program at the Army headquarters in Rawalpindi. A between the lines analysis does point to: 1) the Army has recognized the people’s desire for democracy, and took a deliberate decision to stay out of the political picture; 2) the Army is optimistic that this decision will play out to its advantage, in that the new government with the peoples mandate will establish levels of cooperation with the Army to help it in its increasingly difficult war against terror and thereby strengthen it on the ground;3) and in the process forge new political and military links supported by a grateful people to wage the war against terrorism with new policies and new determination. It was also clear from the address that the Army would be keeping a close eye on government formation to ensure that it “is oriented towards affording primacy and precedence to larger public interest over personal interests.”

India will have to factor in the new aspirations, the political processes, the self- trimmed role of the Army, the younger generation et al into its understanding of Pakistan after these elections. The rigidity reflected on Indian television news channels that insists on looking at all developments through the prism of terrorism will result in misplaced shadow boxing where much of Indian energy and resources will be wasted in formulating responses on the basis of old parameters instead of the new shifts within Pakistan. The new generation in both India and Pakistan are fed up with the old, and this is where hope of a change really lies.

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are the author's personal views, and do not necessarily represent the views of Newsclick