Rehmat Ali Razi Member Executive Committee APNS & Member Standing Committee CPNE

Jahangir’s World Times (JWT): Do you foresee postponement of elections owing to some factors including security threats?

Rehmat Ali Razi (RAR): No doubt, we lack an ideal situation for holding the elections and to fulfil the requirements of the constitution and the democratic norms, the electoral process shouldn’t be postponed or delayed in any case. I am hopeful that General Elections 2013 will be held as scheduled. In case of postponement, all the political parties will be the losers. That’s the reason why none of the parties want any delay.

JWT: A few days are left in the polls but why the political atmosphere is still too passive?

RAR: Yes, I agree that the electioneering hasn’t picked up the momentum yet. I think there are three reasons behind it. First of all the given time for the whole process is very short. Secondly, this time the approval of candidates by the election commission became quite complicated and thirdly, parties remained busy in finalizing their candidates. Protests from their own workers were also seen. The political parties should have done their home work early.

JWT: Is Imran Khan’s slogan of ‘Change’ going to be the focal point or it is just rhetoric?

RAR:  Well, only Imran Khan is raising the ‘Change’ slogan enthusiastically and in fact, his part itself is a manifestation of change in Pakistani politics. PTI has introduced a novel way of campaigning by preferring songs over slogans. They also brought in the factor of social media in full play and presented youth as a decisive force. Other parties also followed the suit and I think our political scene is ripe for change now. I am hoping to see a real change the glimpses of which are visible in new electoral rolls, independent judiciary, ever-more vigilant ECP and a vibrant media.

JWT: Do you expect some sort of surprise from PTI?

RAR: Yes, I do expect a huge surprise. PTI is able to do wonders, because in many surveys, it outshined others in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and is also in a position to give a setback to other parties in Punjab. Here, a neck and neck competition is being anticipated between PML (N) and PTI. But, remember that the wave of change will not remain limited to urban centres of Punjab only rather it will also affect the rural votes and the end result may be beyond our expectations.