Naveed Miraj
Amidst voices being raised over the possibility of any confrontation or violence during the local government polls in Karachi and Hyderabad, it is really a matter of satisfaction that the process was completed largely in a peaceful manner for which the Election Commission of Pakistan and the security agencies really deserve appreciation.
Nonetheless, the very low voter turnout in the polls is really disappointing and has raised serious questions about the credibility of the whole process. Addressing a presser, the MQM-P leaders citing the low turnout, stated that the people have rejected what was called the rigged polls.
Amongst other factors, the very boycott of MQM-P over its serious concerns over the delimitation process has played its part in the low turnout. Whether somebody likes it or not, it is a fact that MQM-P is a reality in urban areas of Sindh province, particularly Karachi and Hyderabad. Regardless of its past, the party still enjoys a large support base in the two cities.
Hence, it is staying away from the polls kept their workers and supporters away from the polling stations. Local bodies are the most crucial third tier of the government to address the people’s problems at the grassroots level. Therefore, this exercise should be conducted in a more systematic manner without any haste.
It would have been far better if the second phase of local government elections in Sindh had been conducted after removing the reservations of the MQM-P on the matter of delimitations, even if these were postponed for a month or so.
Other factors that contributed to the low turnout is that the PTI did not carry out the electioneering for which it is famous as its Chairman Imran Khan was injured, and with his presence, the party was visible much on the roads and streets of Karachi.
Now all the eyes are on who will be the next Mayor of Karachi- the city facing a plethora of problems ranging from water, sanitation, and sewerage to poor road infrastructure. It has become important that whosoever assumes charge of the city must also be given full powers and resources to address its problems.
The people still remember the development executed by Jamaat-e-Islami Mayor Naimatullah Khan and also that of Mustafa Kamal of MQM, and if that process was carried forward with the same momentum, the metropolitan’s situation and landscape would have been far better.
It will be a test case for the new Mayor as to how he proceeds forward, and he definitely would require the support of the provincial government to live up to the expectations of Karachiites.
