The inquiry commission’s verdict regarding rigging allegation seems to be a shoddy piece of work as the required pain and hard work appears to be missing in the report.The judicial commission’s report is not relevant to the ground realities. Rigging has occurred in elections in Punjab since the early 1950s, under the feudal democratic system, but it is difficult to prove this in a court of law. Those who are familiar with the past will not believe the 2013 elections to have been free and fair.The entire burden of proof accompanied by irrefutable documentary evidence was put on the shoulders of the PTI. It is a known fact that in case of rigging or malpractices, provision of documentary proof is nearly impossible to produce. One has to go by the circumstantial evidence and there was enough.Rigging always existed and will continue to exist so long as feudal-influenced democratic systems exist, protected by laws framed by the feudal mindset. Talk shows, columns, editorials, dharnas, shouting, criticising, condemning, shutter-down strikes, wheel jams, rallies and so on, may vent frustrations, but generally do not affect the rulers. The PML-N may want to tread carefully on this pyrrhic victory, and the PTI may exercise some restraint and courage in the face of possible expulsion from the National Assembly.According to media reports, Justice Fakhruddin had strong differences with the caretaker prime minister, which made him to leave Islamabad and move to Karachi. The election commission was virtually without a head during this period. The moot point is that if the elections were true and fair and reflected the will of the people, then why is there a requirement for the parliamentary electoral reforms committee? Also, there is no need to demand a powerful and independent election commission with full autonomy. The inquiry commission has set a dangerous precedent by giving a clean chit to the 2013 elections. Those indulging in malpractices and rigging will now become emboldened by taking refuge under the commission’s findings.
pk.shafaqna.com
