It’s in the Numbers

The people have spoken; or at least 44.6% of the eligible population has given their verdict. Amidst a strange concoction of fear and hope, Election Day passed us by without any major upset and a new government takes over the running of our country. All the major cities of the country are still plastered with post-campaign materials and the last week of February saw the rupee rise against the dollar, bringing most to believe that political stability ensures economic stability.

The most important national achievement, as was noted, was in the numbers. Those who had previously never even held an election ballot headed out on a dusty Monday afternoon to cast their vote. Old ladies, fresh faces, middle-aged men, aunties, working men and women; the public that came out to vote spanned across the demographic.

Weeks of deal making and coalition talks have bombarded the media, and the Zardari-Nawaz joint decision to work towards a coalition government could signal the coming of a stronger electorate. But nothing has been said of policy – none of the leading political parties have spoken about what it is that they intend to do; to rule, yes, but with no visible plan of action, what is one to expect? Promises of subsidized food and essentials dominate the run- of-the-mill press conference of this party and that – but how? It appears that we can only wait and see if they are able to deliver. One thing is for sure, if promises are left unfulfilled this time round, the public, which is now a heavily politicized body, will be armed and ready to rise again.

With the question of President Musharraf’s role in this entire picture looming in the background, one wonders what the former General is thinking. The average person may be celebrating his or her respective victories on the beaches of Sea View, but what of the future of the army and the intelligence agencies’ behind-the-scenes control?

The nation is watching; carefully and in great anticipation. Needless to say, many others are watching just as carefully, perhaps with greater designs. For now, however, the average Pakistani helplessly scans the market for cheaper food.

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