In politics, horse trading refers to the illegal buying and parliamentarian votes in clandestine deals at the cost of the popular mandate. Amid the no-confidence motion against the prime minister, accusations of switching alliances and turncoats have once again come to the surface.
Horse-trading has played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s checkered politics when parliamentarians are lured with wealth to vote against their conscience. This is tantamount to corruption, violates all forms of morality, decency and even betrayal to the nation. Unfortunately, this has become part of politics and leaves a blotch on the democratic system. This culture was introduced in Pakistan’s politics during the ‘90s when attempts were made to bring down the democratically-elected government of Benazir Bhutto. Unfortunately, we have witnessed several episodes of horse-trading ever since.
Prime Minister Imran Khan is facing a similar challenge as he face the risk of turncoats abandoning him or switching ship. This could prove the death knell for the fragile coalition on which the prime minister has been dependent to remain in power. According to reports, at least two dozen lawmakers have sided with the opposition and four of them have already come out to denounce him.
The use of ill-gotten money to switch loyalties is an abhorrent practice. Such lawmakers would never be expected to legislate against ill-gotten wealth or money laundering. It would also raise a question mark on how their constituents treat them or hold them in high regard. There is no law over such practices and lawmakers often tend to get away with it.
It maybe be difficult to hunt down the turncoats unless the illegal money is not identified and seized. However, lawmakers who side with the opposition as easily pointed such as the PTI is currently facing with its disgruntled lawmakers in the safe hands of the opposition. How will this play out needs to be seen on the day of the no-trust motion.
Lawmakers should have high moral character, ethics, and clear conscience. It has been the failure of the government to bring strict reforms criminalizing voting buying to get rid of this evil. We need leaders who can take the country out of crisis and are answerable to the public rather than involved in corruption and election crimes.
