THE All Parties Conference (APC) of the opposition, in Islamabad on Tuesday, reiterated its call for fresh elections in the country without, what it called, any interference. Later, JUI(F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman told newsmen that solution to all problems being faced by the country lies in end of the incumbent government and fresh general election.
The outcome of the APC shows despite differences on how to achieve this objective, the opposition parties are united in their demand to seek fresh elections and that too just after about one year of rule by the elected Government. There seems to be greater unity in the ranks of the opposition now as, on the pattern of Rehbar Committee, which decides the course of action in relation to the protest campaign, the parties approved constitution of a three-member body to finalize names for the slots of the Chief Election Commissioner and members of the Election Commission of Pakistan. Consensus of all opposition parties on these nominations would make it difficult for the Government to ignore them altogether. As for general election, the opposition is entitled to its thinking and strategy but ground situation clearly shows the country would not gain much from such an exercise. There is extreme polarization in the country and the result of fresh polls might not be encouraging for the formation of a stable government. If the incumbent government is not allowed to complete its mandated term, it is apprehended that it would be difficult for future set-ups too to complete their tenure smoothly. We believe that this vicious circle of instability must be brought to an end as the country and its people are the ultimate sufferers of the resultant uncertainty and confusion. Instead of demanding fresh elections, both the Opposition and the Government should engage into serious dialogue with a view to developing a consensus on how best to run the country and how to overcome challenges on economic, security and external fronts.
