Editorial
Political parties and CA's address
Yes to early election, but it must be free, fair and credible
The reactions of the major political parties or alliances to the recent address of the Chief Advisor are, in our view, positive. Both the fourteen-party alliance and the four-party combine have expressed the hope that the elections will be held as early as possible. That hope is also entertained by the country at large. Moreover, the Chief Advisor has himself promised the country that the elections will be held at the earliest possible time. It is thus interesting and surely encouraging that there is now a consensus about the need for early elections.We would like to make it clear that we share the sentiments of the political alliances about the elections. More importantly, we understand the compulsions on which they have based those sentiments. Since the goal of a political party is an attainment of power, it is only natural that the political classes will emphasise an early return to a democratic political process. However, as we at this newspaper have regularly stressed, there should be a road map to elections that must be followed in order for a credible voting to take place. We have said so earlier and we will say again that a necessary first step towards the elections is a cleansing of the corrupt system that is now in place. The influence of black money, the preponderance of muscle power and other forms of corruption must be rolled back before a universally acceptable election can take place. It is a matter of satisfaction that Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed has echoed such national concerns in his recent address to the nation. A thorough recast of the Election Commission has been a long overdue demand of the nation. It is a demand that very large sections of politicians have made in recent times, one that we have unequivocally agreed with. The CA's stress on a reconstitution of the EC, coming as it did with the resignation of Justice MA Aziz from the post of Chief Election Commissioner, has vindicated the collective national stand. All said and done, it is now for the country to ready itself for a healthy electoral exercise. Dealing with the godfathers of crime, ensuring a proper law and order situation, preparing a proper voters' list and initiating moves for ID cards are priorities the political parties should acknowledge. Fundamentally, there must be a well-prepared, level playing ground before we can have elections, of course at the earliest of opportunities.
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