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Will polls be fair and free, wonder Pak expats
ABU DHABI — Pakistani expatriates in the UAE are having varied expectations from the forthcoming elections due this week, but they also fear that polling would not be free and fair.
Khaleej Times spoke to Pakistanis from different walks of life to know their views on the political situation shaping up back home, what could be the likely outcome of the elections and its impact on nation’s future.
Hasan Mujtaba Kazmi, insurance broker: “I see a hung parliament emerging out of the elections, which means a weak government, unable to take strong decisions required to correct things gone awkward, on political as well as economic front. “If a weak government that is unable to make constitutional amendments, or take bold decisions, is formed with the help of other political parties, then the core issues of law and order, political stability and economic growth would continue to haunt the people of Pakistan.
“There are possibilities of rigging, but not to an extent where the current establishment would manipulate the things in its favour. But, some rigging would certainly take place, since ordinary people are more aware of it and before elections everybody is talking about it. Rigging will strengthen the powerful head of state, who wants to remain all powerful, call the shots and influence the new parliament.
“So the present stalemate would continue in different forms for another term and would perpetuate instability.”
Anis Abbas Zaidi, businessman: “The majority of voters are not very enthusiastic about elections, which means the voter turnout would remain low. I think, if 40 per cent people cast their vote, it would mean that people really want a political change. Otherwise, my feeling is that voter turnout would be worst ever, which is not a good sign for the democracy to thrive.”
Chaudhary Arshad Hussain, social worker: “I want to see a strong political government, with a clear political and economic agenda to implement. Therefore, I would appeal to the people of Pakistan to cast their vote, instead of staying at home on the election day, to send a politically correct leadership to parliament.
“In these turbulent times, when the entire region is threatened by instability and terrorism, Pakistani public must take part in the political process with a political will, so that the new government must be truly representative of the people of the country and could introduce effective policies in the best interest of the country.
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