The Pakistani Spectator

Qadam Burhai Nawaz Sharif, Hum Tumharay Saath Hien

Jiyay Bhutto, Sadaa Jiyay

Quaid kay mission ka rukhwala, Pervaiz Elahi cycle wala

These are the main slogans in the current elections from the main parties which are vying for the next elections. Though other parties are also taking part in the general elections, Pakistan Muslim League (N), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League (Q) are the front line contenders.

Every party is trumpeting for a different line of action, and every party is following its own line of statements and issues.

PML-N is fighting for the the issues of reinstatement of deposed judges and the return of military from the politics. PML-N is no mood to accept the role of President Musharraf in the next setup.

PPP is trying hard to cash in on the sympathy vote after the assassination of its leader Benazir Bhutto, and it’s major focus is on democracy. While it’s stance on other issues including the role of General (r) Pervez Musharraf is still murky.

PML-Q is largely termed as the King’s party because it was formulated, sustained and groomed by General Musharraf, and PML-Q promises to carry on with its performance of the previous years.

Other notable parties which are contesting the elections include MQM which is in alliance with PML-Q and also supports President Musharraf, and is largely limited to two or three cities of Sindh Province including Pakistan’s biggest city, Karachi. Another party is ANP, which is in NWFP province and it’s agenda is secular, and it is against the President Musharraf involvement in the politics.

So Pakistani voters have got a clear choice for them. If they want reinstatement of judiciary and clear riddance from President Musharraf, they have to put their mark on Lion of PML-N, if they are more interested in democracy first and else latter, then they would be stamping their mark on Teer of PPP, and if they want to see Musharraf there and the continuation of previous performance, then they would have to stamp their mark on cycle of PML-Q.