Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Pakistan elections

The people of Pakistan can heave a sigh of relief as their will has prevailed nine years after democracy was subverted by a bloodless military coup. As the PML(Q), pro-Musharraf ruling party, has faced an electoral rout with most of its top leaders being defeated, the verdict is clearly a rejection of the Pervez Musharraf regime. The people’s movement initiated by the legal fraternity, and the opposition parties’ determined bid to restore democracy have finally paid off.

If the PPP rode the sympathy wave following Benazir Bhutto’s assassination, Nawaz Sharif’s principled stand of refusing to settle for anything less than undiluted democracy fetched him electoral gains and a significant stake in the government to be formed. At least till their past differences catch up with them, the PPP and the PML(N) will hopefully work together to usher in the much-needed stability in Pakistan.

Nalini Vijayaraghavan,

Thiruvananthapuram

The conduct of free, fair and peaceful election in Pakistan amid apprehensions of misuse of government machinery, large-scale violence and mass rigging is certainly a first step towards democracy. President Musharraf deserves praise for keeping his promise. But the real test is whether he will allow the democratically elected government to function.

For a vibrant democracy to thrive in Pakistan, the President and the army will have to adopt a policy of non-interference in politics.

Indravir Kumar,

New Delhi

The election results clearly show that the people of Pakistan are anxious to eliminate dictatorship and restore democracy. The days of President Musharraf are numbered.

It is a pity that the U.S., which claims to be the guardian of democracy, allowed dictatorship to survive in Pakistan for so long. Let us hope that the people of Pakistan will get to enjoy the fruits of democracy in future.

J. Eden Alexander,

Thanjavur

That the ballot is more powerful than the bullet has been proved by the people of Pakistan, where the opposition has won convincingly. Leaders of the PPP and the PML (N) should work together to put Pakistan back on the rails.

A. Ramanathan,

Chennai

The PPP and the PML (N) have emerged winners against the king’s party. With the advent of democracy after eight long years, will terrorism wither away?

Our Election Commission should learn from Pakistan which declared the results well within 24 hours of the elections with paper ballots.

By contrast, our election process holds the functioning of the States in limbo for months.

Raghubir Singh,

Pune

President Musharraf, whatever his faults, deserves credit for conducting the polls peacefully, when one least expected it.

He can now redeem his image of a man who messed with democracy in Pakistan and make a respectable exit.

Farah Yameen,

Patna

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