RAWALPINDI: 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.
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.
Akram Niazi
Published in The Express Tribune, July 28th, 2015.
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