For Paks well being, independent judiciary and fair polls crucial: Analysts

An independent judiciary and fair elections are crucial for Pakistans well being, analysts have said.

Washington, Sep 13 : An independent judiciary and fair elections are crucial for Pakistan's well being, analysts have said.

Michael Krepon and Alex Stolar of the Stimson Centre argue that a representative government is also essential for domestic tranquillity because Pakistan has important regional, political, and sectarian divisions.

The only way to determine the composition of a representative government, they said, is through free and fair elections and the rejection of a "winner take all" mentality that has marked Pakistani governance.

Free and fair elections have been a rare occurrence in Pakistan, where leaders are usually picked in backroom deals, and electoral results have been manipulated by the intelligence services, they say.

According to them, the best way forward might require solemn pledges voluntarily undertaken by contending factions in Pakistan that are backed by the international community.

The two experts suggested that the major contenders might serve national interests best by pledging allegiance to an independent judiciary that serves as a check against corruption, disregard for the rule of law, and abuse of power by future Presidents and Prime Ministers.

Nations that provide bilateral or multilateral assistance to Pakistan might also be asked to make pledges before Pakistan's national elections, that if future leaders break these pledges, except for humanitarian assistance, economic and military aid would be suspended.

According to Krepon and Stolar, the continuation of a "winner take all" approach to domestic politics increases the probability that Pakistan's domestic violence and internal security dilemmas would grow. Only a government that respects political diversity can tackle the sources of domestic unrest and violence in a sustained, effective way, they added.

A mechanism exists in the form of the National Security Council to bridge civil-military divisions and to provide sufficient political backing to deal with Pakistan's security dilemmas, but it is controversial and currently dysfunctional.

The two experts proposed that to help promote free and fair elections and the subsequent formation of a representative government, all major parties within Pakistan might agree in advance to invite election monitors from all nations that wish to help in this regard.

Pakistan's divisions would persist, and might well grow after the votes are counted, because these divisions can badly impair Pakistan's ability to address internal security concerns.

It is an obligation that Pakistani leaders undertake for the well being of their country. But ultimately, the future of Pakistan lies in Pakistani hands, they conclude.

ANI