The PPP seems to be ridding the high road that it will win the next general elections. With the embattled PTI unlikely to regain power after a string of defections and a hostile attitude from state institutions, the stage id wide open on who will be the kingmaker in the next polls.
The tenure of the coalition government is still a few weeks away. The general elections are due this year and not later than October 15. In such circumstances, the PPP already seems to turning on other political parties before the polls are held.
Bilawal Bhutto triggered another dispute and hinted at not even endorsing the federal budget. The PPP alleges that the PML-N has not allocated sufficient funds for flood victims in the budget as promised. This has not gone well with the PML-N and although both sides are holding talks to iron out differences, the PPP chairman has been advised to bring the complaints to the cabinet instead of public criticism. Even though Balochistan has similar grievances, the government is walking a tightrope amid the economic crisis and is unlikely to cave in.
The PPP is also facing accusation of rigging in the Karachi mayoral elections from the Jamaat-e-Islami. The MQM is displeased on losing its grip and has vowed to challenge the census and voter listing. The PPP has been emboldened by recent successes and has assured sending a befitting reply to political opponents.
The PDM was certainly a marriage of convenience which was put in place to oppose the PTI and take control after the party was ousted from power. It was only a matter of time before it would have a falling as every party faces each other to grab power in the next elections. The newly-formed IPP has emerged as another challenger.
ECP is prepared for the next polls and has even started procuring election material and printing of ballot papers. It has also given the final deadline for voter registration. It needs to be seen whether the government will timely issue funds given the dire economic situation. The authorities are unable to commit to the polls but the circumstances seems to in their favour lately.
We must hope that 2023 turns out as election year for Pakistan. The nation cannot withstand the political instability and economic crisis which will only end when free, fair and transparent elections are held. It is the only viable to bring normalcy and stop the nation from further descent into chaos.
