Several people, and especially the PML-N government, seem to be deeply irked by PTI protests regarding the rigging of the May 2013 general elections. They are apparently having a hard time comprehending why PTI is rallying on the streets instead of resolving their issues in parliament.
Also read 'Another weekend, another PTI party'
Both parties and political pundits question what the party hopes to achieve with street demonstrations. Allow me to shed some light on this because it seems to be quite a complex issue for them.
I don’t want to repeat what has already been reiterated myriad times in news outlets, namely that when it comes to election rigging, the PTI has already tried all available options and given due time to the processes as well. They have tried election tribunals, courts and debates in parliament but to no avail.
Why we don't resolve these issues in the parliament is an odd thing to ask because the parliament makes laws for the future, not for the past.
The parliament can of course make reforms for the next elections but that’s hardly what we’re protesting for.
We are in fact demanding an accountability of the 2013 elections.
What could the parliament possibly do to that end, given that the elections have allowed the PML-N a simple majority in it? Their constant invocations of the parliament as a platform for this debate are nothing more than a ploy to divert attention from election results.
The 2013 rigging allegations are no longer mere accusations; they are now a proven fact.
The FAFEN report; the leaked tape of '35' punctures and its reward for those involved; the forced resignation of the NADRA chairman, are all indications of a cover up. Every constituency investigated has revealed rigging. NA-256 has shown it, NA-258 has proved it, PP-107 has confirmed it.
In this context, PTI protests are not aimed at sustaining party popularity – they are about a real democracy that PML-N will perhaps never get their head around.
Also read 'NADRA report reveals massive rigging'
Remember how the PML-N mandate was also stolen in broad day light by a dictator and how their leaders signed an apology letter to flee the country?
They never stood up for democracy and for the people when their rights were snatched.
It may be the PML-N manifesto to run and seal their lips when democracy is stolen but it is certainly not part of the PTI manifesto. Remember zero tolerance for corruption and standing up for justice and against status quo? We actually meant that.
To actively oppose the evil of status quo, instead of waiting for an auto-fix – that’s the DNA we voted for and what you are seeing in action. I couldn't have been prouder of the PTI initiative to stand up and rally crowds for free and fair elections in peaceful democratic demonstrations. This is the 'Naya Pakistan' that you have just stepped in, where injustice will not be tolerated.
I find the PML-N to be consistently in denial. We keep saying the elections were rigged, they keep saying they are working hard.
Sorry but that doesn’t cut it.
We aren’t protesting your performance (which is a discussion for another day), we are protesting against rigging. If the military takes over and does a better job than you, would that make the coup legitimate?
Let’s also discuss, for the sake of discussion, the prospect of debating reforms in the parliament. What kind reforms will the parliament pass? Can they guarantee zero rigging in all future polls? Most likely no.
This means the reform must have two components (1) actual measures to improve transparency (2) punishment for those who cheat the process. It is fair to say that the real power of this reform would lie in its punishment for offenders.
Now wait a minute...those provisions already exist.
The election commission and courts today have the powers to disqualify candidates and hold re-election in relevant constituencies. In fact, they already did that. So why exactly is PTI being asked to turn to the parliament?
Also read 'Re-election ordered for PP-107'
The protests are not intended to derail anything but to empower the democratic system. All legislation required for justice is in place, but the system is tied up in the chains of status quo. We are protesting to ask the election commission and courts to do the right thing. We are protesting to counter the forces of status quo. We are protesting to give wings to authorities who have lost it.
We are protesting because if we don't ask for justice, we will never get justice.
PTI demonstrations are a way to take matters to the court of the people after election tribunals, courts and parliament fail to address them. After all, it is the people who ultimately elect the new government and if PTI can keep the momentum, PML-N may have to go with the tarnished reputation and the upholders of a corrupt system. The day isn’t far when this awareness will be there everywhere; times are changing faster than ever before.
The current period is a major test for us. If PTI does not do anything, then we become the status quo as well. But if we resist and oppose, even if we don’t get very far, we will still go down in history as an anti-status quo party who fought its level best to get justice.