"Elections again already?" "Dont these guys ever give up?" "Ahh atlast another holiday" "Could I spend a day at mom's on election day?" "finally I could checkout that new movie"...
Just a few of the views among common people waiting desperately for the election.. or the day-off rather.
Come election day and an average Pakistani family are more than happy about this extra day off from work, school or college. This one holiday out of the blue seems just right for catching up with friends, family, sleep or entertainment.. all so desperatelty seeked for during work days.
Why is it that our society keeps on ignoring this important duty towards the nation by chosing not to vote in successive elections. The turnout rate according to government sources, has declined over the years with current speculations of around 25%-30% turnout expected this election.
Recently hPK carried out an opinion survey in two localities of Lahore, namely Defence and ShadBagh. It turned out that public opinion was the same with both communities regarding politicians and elections as 'corrupt','bogus' and 'a waste of time and money'. But ironically the reasons behind this total rejection were quite different.. the ShadBagh folks thought they were repeatedly let down by successive candidates upon failing to fulfil campaign promises and thus no politician deserved any votes from their community. On the other hand, the Defence lot which belongs to the upper middle class of the society prefer to remain neutral, rather oblivious of all this 'political nonsense'.
These views however donot paint the whole picture of our immensely divided society as many politicians themselves reside in Defence and many political workers in ShadBagh, yet these communities like many others in Pakistan, are so disraught and disappointed in the political process that they prefer silence over any form of participation. The lower society trying hard just to make ends meet is even more outraged.
One can easily imagine the turnout in coming elections with such a moods prevailing against the polls and politicians.
So who are the people rallying behind scores of candidates and dozens of parties? and what do they hope to gain from these endeavours.. hPK correspondent in Lahore, Saleh Mirza inquired a few political workers..
Sikandar 24, is an MA political science and resides in Ichra. He backs Imran Khan's PTI. In answer to our question, he revealed that jobless youngsters are recruited by various parties and paid on monthly basis to organise conventions and public meetings. His contract expires in November. He hopes to gain political exposure during this time which will help him in securing some regional party position or possibly one in local government.
Nazir 31, is a die-hard Nawaz Sharif supporter and resides in Township. He said that he has been with the Sharifs ever since Nawaz Sharif was the chief minister of Punjab. He has three daughters who were all married with endorsement from the Sharif family.
Tufail 28, a '96 Mansura graduate has worked for the Jamaat ever since. His loyalties lie with the Jamaat-e-Islami because he feels he has a duty towards the Islamic revolution in Pakistan which he thinks will happen after MMA wins the october election.
Many more political workers just like these carry all the burdens of party politics in return for a mere few thousand ruppes in salary, many a times overdue for months. But the lust for power and position drives most youngsters into party politics, many have family member usually father who fixes them up, but for most unemployed youth however regional party politics is just about the only option left after graduation.
Put aside the political workers and most Pakistanis believe that Politics means dirty business, thus they try to stay away as much as they can. But does that mean staying away from polls makes them any fair or decent? Eventually it is the public themselves who are at the losing end.
Many people claim there is no candidate or party worth voting for. All I would like to advise such people is that they come forward themselves and change the setup. It wont be long before people would start believeing in the democratic process and their right to practice it.
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