Victory of democratic system

By showing a consensus on the remarkable 20^th amendment, Parliament has once again demoed to defy its critics.

Under the canopy of the Amendment, Parliament met the demand of the Supreme Court to give a one-time cover to legislators elected while the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was not properly restructured as stipulated in the 18^th amendment.

Additionally, in quite a broader attempt, it ensured a more impartial interim set-up prior to the general elections, enhancing the autonomy of the election commission.

The amendment also proved the theory wrong that the PPP was mulling to use the interim set-up to its benefit while the PML-N, the second largest party in parliament, considered to have slipped into campaign mode.

The bonuses for an accord between the two parties were not awfully high. Apparently, it was more of a political signal than a numerical necessity that the PPP-led coalition argued that it had a two-thirds majority in parliament.

The amendment itself proved that democracy can work in Pakistan if it given space and time do so.

In what appeared to be a constitutional prerogative to pick an interim prime minister of its choice, the PPP surrendered. Prior to the amendment, the president was required to consult the premier and opposition leader, giving him 2-1 advantage in a concession.

The turnout in the National Assembly (NA) on Tuesday suggested the PPP and its coalition partners would had their work cut out for them to ensure the attendance of enough members to pass the amendment without the PML-N assistance.

However, it was pleasant to reassertion of the fact that this house has what it takes to get lawmaking done. The PML-N, being in the opposition, is deserved thinly more credit for its final support in smooth passage of the constitutional change.

Indeed, it is quite clear that the length of service of parliament itself this time round has much to do with the PML-N shunning the role of a fanatic opposition determined to cut down a government by any means.

By supporting the National Finance Commission (NFC), Punjab took a hit to make major changes in the constitution to which the PML-N had a key role. The entire process speaks loudly that democracy can live and deliver if it is given free hands.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=12929

Posted by Faisal Farooq on Feb 16 2012. Filed under National, Opinion, Pakistan, Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.