Derailing Democracy

Despite DR. Tahir ul Qadri’s repeated assurances that his Long March is neither to derail the democracy nor delay the elections in the country, his detractors – especially the MLN leadership from top to bottom – are haranguing the same sermon in unison. Some other political pundits pronounce authoritatively and correctly too that it is the parliament only that can incorporate any changes or reforms in the electoral procedures. I don’t know why do they have to say so  because Dr. Qadri is only asking for the implementation of what is already given in the constitution.  He is not asking for any new rules or laws nor demanding any changes in the electoral procedures. All he is asking for is that the contesting candidates must be clean and in accordance with the articles 62 (f) and 63 of the constitution.  Can anyone dispute his such a demand?  Where from the derailing of the democracy or delaying of the elections have come in? The Pol itical Emperors need not have any such fears and all that they are required to do is to field Honest, Sagacious, Non-Profligate and Ameen persons for the coming general elections. And, the Election Commission must ensure that they do so. It is as simple as that.

Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd)