Re: Unplugged With Guppies — Sa1eem
As the things are, I believe in next election PPP would again come out as the largest party in NA, though with possibly lesser seats. Getting next term is number game and I would not be surprised if PPP gets the next term too. … Reason being, with Zardari on driving seat they have shown a good alliance making ability what I believe any party would need to form next government.
As for current political situation in Pakistan, it is myth that Pakistan has two parties system. Pakistan has two big parties of looters and exploiters whose sole purpose are to suck blood out of masses and skin the country. There is little difference between them two evils and Pakistan do not need any of the two.
Anyhow, amongst those two evils, I believe PPP is better than PMLN, because PMLN do not only exploit masses as PPP does, but also exploits religion (Islam) what PPP do not (at least to the extend PMLN does). PPP when in power also do a bit for poor of country along with corruption, nepotism, etc … but PMLN while doing corruption and nepotism no less than PPP, do nothing for poor Pakistanis and considers those who do not vote them with contempt.
In case PMLN wins the term (though very unlikely, as they are now a regional party with reducing vote bank) … What MQM strategy should be?
In Pakistani political mind-set (and system as it is), those who are in opposition gets persecuted along with their voters. Further, those who are in opposition do everything to destabilise the government, especially if they can do so.
MQM (as presently) is a regional party who would like to serve their electorates and for that they have to make alliance with whoever gets into power. If they take up opposition or are deprived of their say as ally, they have all right to do everything to destabilise the government … what they can do very effectively being in control of Karachi that contributes ~70 percent of Pakistani revenue and is gateway of Pakistani trade.
Thus after election, MQM is left with two choices: Be in alliance and work for prosperity of people, country and their own electorates … or be in opposition and make life of government so difficult that government falls. As for party who may form government, they also have two choices, that is to ask MQM for alliance or ride a situation that could make their life in government extremely difficult.
In my view, being a regional party wanting to serve their electorates, it is best for MQM to have alliance with ruling party than be in opposition where they can not only destabilise government but in process could harm their electorates, government, as well as economical well being of country.