Strengthening democracy and political parties – II
The military often takes over power swiftly and comfortably without any meaningful resistance either during or after the process of the take-over. Prime ministers are put behind bars and sent…
Who can contest elections?
Article 63 (1) (n) and (o) of Pakistan's constitution specifically state that a person stands disqualified from standing for elections if he is a loan defaulter or a defaulter of…
Iron Lady? Rust in peace’
Over a week after her death, Margaret Thatcher continues to divide Britain much as she did during her 12 years in power. Against a backdrop of praise in Parliament, and…
History revisited
Election campaigns are in full swing and, with election fever at its peak, we seem to hear and see a lot about the Musharraf case. There are also continuous updates…
Let this Pandora’s box be opened
Since his return to Pakistan on a mission to ‘save’ the country, Musharraf has been uncharacteristically subdued. For good reason. The public response to his homecoming has been one of…
Individual vs the system
The emphasis a new generation of puritans is placing on the personal qualities of candidates for elective offices has revived the debate on what matters more in politics — the…
Elections and ‘Ideology of Pakistan’
The Election Commission's returning officers, drawn from subordinate judiciary, have been taking vicarious pleasure in applying Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution to determine the qualifications/disqualifications of candidates on…
A transformational leader, unfortunately
Looking back, it now seems strange that during her first couple of years as prime minister, Margaret Thatcher was widely viewed as something of an aberration. In 1981, with unemployment…
Has Admiral Fasih now changed?
It was back in the days when the lawyers' movement for the rule of law was at its zenith. On the 9th of March, 2007, a word of 'No' uttered…
Taking a chance with democracy
A British prime minister once said he “hated elections” and compared them to “medicine which you’ve got to have”. But for us fair elections are no bitter medicine. In fact,…
