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Back to square one?

EKRAM KABIR
PAKISTAN appears to be back to square one. The inevitable has indeed happened there. General Pervez Musharraf, who seized power in a bloodless coup toppled the elected government of Nawaz Sharif in 1999, has won the mandate of the Pakistanis in a referendum to stay in power as the President for another five years.
Although the political parties boycotted the polls and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said the polls have been marred by gross irregularities, yet Mr. Musharraf is now the "indispensable" President of Pakistan.
Indications were indeed rife that Musharraf would follow the footsteps of his predecessor Generals: Ayub Khan and Ziaul Haque. He had already mapped out his strategy when he had said that he would introduce a new brand of politics -"real democracy" - in which the tested politicians would have no place. He also blasted the politicians, saying that it was the elite that has exploited and abused the immense potential of the country for their petty personal gains in total disregard of greater national interest. In an interview he made it clear that in the new political setup, there would be no place for such politicians as Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto.
Musharraf had also pledged that he would lead his nation from the grassroots upwards, in which the people would have direct participatory role. Meanwhile, the local body polls were held according to his plan. The devolution plan had revived the community assemblies and transferred power from the federated provinces to the village
level. The General had said he would abide by the Supreme Court ruling which validated his coup and gave him until October 12, 2002 to hold general elections. But he never gave any hint on how to return to civilian rule and transfer of power.
Many in Pakistan believe he will not. For, they think, the actions by General Musharraf is reminiscent of Ayub Khan's assumption of presidency on October 27, 1958. The tone and tenor of Musharraf are the same as those of Ayub Khan. When Ayub staged his coup, his plea had
Pakistan's first Prime Minister Liaqat Ali Khan. When Ghulam Muhammed was made the Governor General, plotting against democratic rule in Pakistan started. Ayub later claimed that he was asked to take over power back in 1953 but he refrained from doing so for what he described as the sake of democracy. But the same man did not hesitate to usurp power when elections were at the corner.
Democracy in Pakistan was never given a fair chance. Instability always stalked the land. There were
also been the same. He was also equally disdainful against the politicians describing them as corrupt, inept and absolutely incapable of leading Pakistan. He banned the politicians from participating in elections. Ayub also introduced a new brand of democracy called the "basic democracy" or "guided democracy" and formed an electoral college with the Union Council Chairmen and members.
The history of intrigues, conspiracies and coups in Pakistan actually started from the assassination of
internecine fights and squabbles among politicos. When Ayub stepped in, he had an easy walkover and held the sway for long one decade. When under mounting public discontent Ayub was forced to resign he handed over power to another General, Yahiya Khan. Ayub thus again acted against the constitutional provisions. According to the constitution, he himself had enforced power was to be handed over to the Speaker.
As the military refused to honour the verdict of the 1970 general
elections, in which Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Awami League had emerged as the single majority party, there was spontaneous mass uprising in erstwhile East Pakistan.
From 1972 to 1977 the army in Pakistan had to maintain a low profile because of their defeat in Bangladesh. But then a time came when General Zia-ul-Haque removed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in July 5 , 1977. He ruled Pakistan for long eleven years until he died in a mysterious plane crash.
Soon the civilian government was installed. But the President retained the power to dismiss elected governments. The end result was that the seat of power was turned into a musical chair rotating between Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif.
Then came Pervez Musharraf, making old promises like other military rulers in that country.
The most sad fact is: during the 54 years of Pakistan's history, one Prime Minister was assassinated, another Prime Minister was executed, one military dictator was put under house arrest, another military dictator's plane burst into flames, no civilian government that followed was allowed to complete its term and Prime Ministers were dismissed at the whims and caprices of the presidents.
And the people of Pakistan? They hardly witnessed any peaceful transfer of power. They also had four constitutions with another looming in the horizon.
With Pervez Musharraf - another military strongman ligalising his power, what will be their fate this time?
Ekram Kabir is a Senior Newsroom Editor in Ekushey Television Limited.