This week was entirely entwined between politics and politicians facing the law. The PML-N continues to suffer setbacks with its senior leadership indicted in one case after another. Apart from external threats to the party, an internal challenge for succession is now evident. The main contention in the power struggle is on how to proceed politically in relation to the establishment.

With the former PM and his heir apparent choosing the path of confrontation, the Punjab chief minister and his successor are opting for a more reconciliatory approach. No doubt, the shadow of two major cases, Model Town and Hudaibiya, looming over them contributes significantly towards this restraint. While the wrangling over party leadership continues between the brothers, other leaders remain divided: between continuing with existing power and privileges over looking out for their future interests.

While the struggle for power unfolds, in a related legal development, the Lahore High Court has determined that voters have the right to elect defaulters or a disqualified person. This is in response to numerous cases filed over the striking down of sections 203 and 232 of the Elections Act, allowing Mian Sahib to head his political party once again. Incidentally, taking lead from the earlier constitutional amendment, president of a local, old and venerable society, in Lahore, is seeking to change the pre-Partition by-laws to extend his tenure by a year from the prescribed two-year tenure. A case of the trickle-down effect: if the Constitution can be fiddled with, why not alteration at the local level?

Back to the court decision. The court stated: “The verdict of the voter is always supreme in any democratic system.” This statement neatly encapsulates where our problem lies. A fragmented political system bifurcated on the basis of unabashed dishonesty and irrational behaviour. With few political leaders to choose from, most remain engaged in building dynasties and amassing ill-gotten gains – beyond their means. On the other side of the divide lies the gullible majority who vote for and re-elect them, no matter what. This can only come about through a system designed to perpetuate privilege and to keep the masses subservient to it.

The divide can be easily seen in the way the two segments of society lead their lives. In this city for instance, while some are forced to deliver babies at the steps of hospitals, others have the option to travel abroad for treatment. There are those who travel in climatically controlled environment in their four-wheel drives, others make do with two wheels, if at all, under harsh conditions. While some are forced to shop at Sunday bazaars to make ends meet, others have the luxury of taking their pick of imported items from select stores.

There are many causes of this divide in society. Wealth, education and networks play a critical role. Those fortunate enough to afford expensive private schools and universities can garner access to a world of privileges. Wealth and networks ensure there is limited access: a self-perpetuating cycle which is interlinked. For those outside its ambit, the cycle works in a similar fashion but excluding them.

Perhaps this provides us with inkling as to why people vote as they do. For the vast majority, access to those in power, however limited, in sorting out their affairs; material benefits such as employment; or outright financial considerations determine their ‘democratic’ selection. With survival dictating short-term selfish gains in comparison to any real changes benefiting society, no wonder we end up with what we have. A corrupt political system and political leadership that only works for and panders to a small minority while relegating the majority to flounder around for survival from election to election seeking some small vestige of privilege: a necessity which ensures their easy manipulation.

A system which works like a dream for some while for others it remains a system in which they can only dream.—AM Lahori (AmLahori@gmail.com)

Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2017