Pakistan Enters Into New Era of Democracy After Elections

Despite the threats of suicide attacks to the lives of common men in many parts of the country, determination and strong resolve took people to the polling stations in Pakistan to use their fundamental democratic right last Saturday for the Pakistan general elections.

The pre-polling bomb attacks in different parts of the country had already claimed at least 11 people and left scores wounded, however as Election Day dawned at the nation of 200 million, many Pakistani people viewed it as a token of prosperity and a guarantor of a continuous democratic system for at least five years to come.

The polling took place on National Assembly seats as well as Provincial Assembly seats which form the parliamentary (bicameral) system of government in Pakistan.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), confirmed that the voters’ turnout was close to 60%, substantially more than the previous instances.

During the last five years, Pakistan testified political and judicial turmoil at its pinnacle, corruption cases against government representatives, an energy and gas crisis, instable security situation, suicide attacks on armed forces, attacks on minorities, religious and ethnic violence, up-and-down relations with the West.

Reports of rigging in various areas of Sindh and Punjab states did emerge, nonetheless the nation effectively saw through the landmark transition of democratic government from one political force to another. It is of the most significance for a country where half of their 66-year history of independence remained marred with military dictatorship.

By the night of the historic day, it had become clear that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was heading to claim the clear majority in lower house and was poised to form government in center, meeting the condition of two-third majority in the house.

Out of 341 seats in center, PML-N secured 128; the outgoing coalition government of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) bagged 31 and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) won 18. ECP is also poised to hold re-polling in a few constituencies where voting was reportedly rigged.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) translated as Pakistan Justice Movement has been the highlight of the recent electioneering. Led by a cricketer-turned-politician, Imran Khan, PTI has been a recent discovery on the horizon of politics in Pakistan though it first set out on its political journey 17 years ago. Thus far, it appears as the third majority force in center with 28 seats in hand and might opt to sit in opposition. The Chairman has ruled out coalition with either majority party.

Mian Mohammed Nawaz Sharif, the Chairman of PML-N, who also served in the prime minister spot twice in the past, is pleased with sweeping victory of his party, but there are many issues that need to be addressed straight away.

President Barak Obama called PML-N chief Sharif and termed his victory as valiant.

PML-N is now offering olive branch to other winning parties to form a coalition. Many independent candidates have already joined hands with them.

Would-be-Prime Minister, Sharif, has on his manifesto the improved ties with neighboring India. The Indian premier Manmohan Singh recently swapped greetings with Sharif, sensing his position insight.

Two of the biggest challenges facing the Sharif government will be maintaining ties with the international community and providing rights to the underserved province of Baluchistan where the people have a sense of discrimination and deprivation.

Check out the New York Times' collection of Tweets from the Pakistan general elections.

Story by Adnan Ali