Analysis: Elections Should Go Forward

It is hard to imagine how the January 8 elections can be free or fair. Of the three primary leaders, one (Nawaz Sharif) is not being permitted to run, another (Benzair Bhutto) might not be allowed to become prime minister even if she wins (the constitution only allows for two terms, which she's already had, and President Musharraf has said he'll decide whether to move forward a constitutional amendment after the elections), and the third is President Musharraf. Not exactly an even hand.

Compounding this is the fact that restrictions still remain on the media; in order to publish or televise the media must sign up to a "code of conduct". This has meant that at least one major independent news channel remains closed. The judiciary, the body that is supposed to have some monitoring capability over the elections, is anything but independent; those who do not agree with Musharraf have been dismissed and all others have been required to state a new oath of allegiance.

So, can there be free and fair elections? And, if not, should the parties all boycott and the international community refuse to monitor?

No. It is important that elections are allowed, that democratic processes are practiced, and most importantly, that the people have an opportunity to vote and to express their voice. Despite starting from a tough position, it is possible that sufficient numbers will come out and that the military and police will ensure at least a semblance of legitimacy to the elections. If elections are not held at all, then there can be no democracy. The same is true if the major parties don't run. At least today, the people of Pakistan and the international community have an opportunity to push for free elections.

If in the run up to January 8 or on the day the process is too corrupted, then we all have options. The people will likely come on to the streets again as the lawyers continue to do. The international community will then have the chance to push back and support this moderate majority.

Without elections we have no chance of a fair process. With them, at least there is a possibility. Today, we need to exert as much pressure as possible to ensure that the steps taken between now and January 8 are as legitimate as they can be. Even if only a small chance remains for a fair process, we need to grasp that chance.