In fact, the focus of the nation, and indeed the turmoil that the nation witnessed in the closing weeks of October, was pegged to the political crisis that centered on certain legitimate demands of the 14-party alliance. Though some of the demands have been met after a lot of agitation, other key ones have not been addressed with the seriousness that would make its resolution possible.

In fact, the resignation of the four advisers was exactly because of the failure on the part of the president to tackle the issues head on. And, in spite of the optimism that was exuded by the new advisors soon after their induction into the council, it has since evaporated as there has been no demonstrable activity on their part either in this regard, except for some inconsequential comments from time to time.

Why is it that we do not see any further initiative on the part of Mr Iajuddin towards resolution of the issues? Admittedly, everything so far has moved on his direction, and we cannot but be perturbed at the inertia on his part to bring an end to the crisis.

There being no demonstration on the streets nor siege of the capital should not lull him to the unrealistic conclusion that the problems have resolved themselves. He would be wrong to think that time will take care of the issues and that somehow he will be able to push the election down the throat of a large segment of the political divide who are not yet convinced that all the requirements that would ensure a free and fair election have been met.

It would be appropriate to mention that it was Mr Iajuddin who initiated the package deal and the talks, and it was his U-turn at the last moment which prevented the resolution of the matter. What his new advisors had said about finding a solution in three days has not been followed up.

Is it because the president has concluded that there is no further need for discussions with the political parties? If that is so, we suggest that it is the wrong conclusion to draw, and any action that follows based on that conclusion would put a big question mark on the prospect of election.