The Pakistani Spectator

Cable News Network (CNN) has aptly named its programme regarding the coverage of Pakistan Election 2008 in which Micheal Ware does the documentary.

The general elections are the only way of providing true and lasting democracy to the people of Pakistan who have become heavily frustrated in all areas of life in the country. Unfortunately, the culture of fraternity and cast in the rural areas, which constitutes the 80% of Pakistan’s population has blocked the way for the common people to get inexpensive and speedy democracy in Pakistan.

The poor people of this gifted country cannot even think of reverting to the the outcry of demanding their rights, to get justice, to have democracy. This trend has caused a rapid increase in the rate of deterioration as a whole, because those who are unable to get easy, cheap and viable social necessities from the state adopt illegal methods to obtain it.

The staff of the polling stations on 18th February has to take serious notice of the rigging, pressure from candidates and nepotism that permeates the polling stations especially in the villages and small towns, if they wish the common people to get conducive democracy in the short run.

The presiding officers at the polling stations have to make sure that no one takes bribes in return for rigging because of the lower staff’s illegal and inhuman activities…bring a bad name to the prestige of the electoral process.

It is high time that the Election Commission and the officials of the country issued strict orders with regard to the supervision of the staff of the polling stations across the country, and those who are found indulged in rigging and nepotism must be brought to book.