THE second phase of the local government elections has by and large delivered the projected results. It has provided expected lessons to everyone — from the political parties to those who conduct the polls to the media. The main message is that it is hazardous to now blame shortcomings on the lack of practice.

There has to be some other, more plausible justification. Or better still, there have to be improvements. The Election Commission, for instance, must no more claim undue allowance for its mistakes. The media must not go on wanting to create excitement while overlooking any false alarm it has set off.

Among the political parties, the PML-N was likely to dominate in Punjab and the PPP was being tipped as ready to prove its firm grip on Sindh. If ever there was an upset in an area possible, it could come about in the PPP’s territory.

This is precisely what happened when Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s party suffered a setback in Badin, which should open the door for some urgent introspection and stir pro-people activity.

Zulfiqar Mirza’s challenge supports the argument that, given a viable alternative, it is possible to have some kind of an opposition party in the province — other than, of course, the MQM, which is a force in the urban areas.

Without any doubt, with Karachi to have local polls in the third phase in December, and with its positive performance so far, particularly in the second phase, the MQM has shown signs that it is ready to fight it out politically.

This is a good sign for Sindh and those who believe, ultimately, in political solutions to divisive issues.

The Mirza message from Badin could be that dissidents are more able at confronting their old outfits, which in turn should add to the difficulty that the PTI is facing in Sindh as well as in Punjab. Imran Khan’s camp cannot be content with coming second in the biggest province of the country.

In sum, the PTI must find leaders at the provincial level who have clear and genuine chief ministerial aspirations. It cannot do without prominent leaders at the district levels — just as the PML-N would be very keen to protect the highly centralised system.

Having swept Punjab as if out of habit and hence carrying extra responsibility to deliver, the PML-N will be, at one level, careful not to create conditions which could lead to the formation of troublesome groups at the local government level, and that could challenge the party hierarchy.

But the ruling parties would be secure in the knowledge that these local governments are not as empowered as was once envisaged.

Indeed, well-wishers want the local governments to grow teeth fast and acquire strength quickly so that they can press for a meaningful presence among the people who have chosen them as their representatives.

Published in Dawn, November 21st, 2015