A FEW days ago at home during a family discussion, there was much talk about a ‘level playing field’ in the coming elections, which basically meant facilitating those who were behind the May 9 rioting.

The general argument was that the party had support among the masses. I found the argument rather flawed. The act of targeting martyrs’ monuments, military installations and civic infra-structure is an unforgivable offence. Such actions are typically expected from hostile countries; not from your own people.

Allowing such individuals to partici- pate in elections without due legal process can set a dangerous precedent. Terrorist groups, like the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), might demand similar treatment based on claims of having popular support.

Those who attacked army installations, the entity which ensures my secure living as well as civilian properties, must face punishment. This is essential to set an example for the future and discourage such actions.

Democracy is not a suicide pact. While it values inclusivity and diverse opinions, it also requires protection from those seeking to exploit its openness to subvert the very principles it upholds. Anti-state elements cannot demand ‘level playing field’. They should face justice to defend democratic values and the preservation of the system itself.

No country allows rioters to contest elections, irrespective of their popu- larity, as we saw in the United States. The US faced and unprecedented incident — the attack on Capitol Hill — that sent shock- waves across the nation and reverberated globally­.

What began as a protest against the certification of the electoral college results transformed into a chaotic and violent breach of one of the most potent and iconic symbols of American democracy.

A significant development occurred in the political annals of the US, with the recent disqualification of former president Donald Trump by the Colorado state court. The court ruled that his involvement in the incident rendered him ineligible as a presidential candidate, applying this decision specifically to Colorado.

In the aftermath of various instances of civil unrest and rioting, nations worldwide confront the challenge of preserving the integrity of their democratic processes. An intriguing aspect of this challenge

lies in determining the eligibility of individuals involved in riots to contest elections. Numerous examples exist globally where restrictions are imposed on anti-state elements participating in the electoral process.

In the United Kingdom, individuals with criminal records, including those with acts related to participation in riots, encounter limitations on their eligibility for public office candidacy. The Repre- sentation of the People Act 1983 outlines such disqualifications, emphasising the importance of preserving public trust in the electoral process by excluding those engaged in criminal behaviour from seeking political office.

Bangladesh has also taken steps to address the matter of individuals with a history of involvement in riots seeking public office. The Representation of the People Order (RPO) empowers the election commission to disqualify individuals convicted of specific offences, including acts of violence and rioting, from participating in elections. This legal framework underscores the nation’s commitment to upholding democratic values and the rule of law.

These examples underscore global efforts to balance democratic principles with the necessity to prevent individuals engaged in violent or criminal behaviour from gaining political power. While specific legal mechanisms may differ, the underlying objective remains consistent — to safeguard the democratic process from individuals whose actions in any way undermine the foundations of a free and fair electoral system.

Examples from around the world unequivocally demonstrate that no one allows anti-state elements to claim a ‘level playing field’. There is a pressing need to expedite the legal proceedings in the trial of the rioters involved in May 9 attacks, as it reflects the voice of the nation and the families of our martyrs.

The state of Pakistan should ensure a level playing field only for all those who have never been implicated in attacking military and civilian installations.

It is a national demand that anti-state elements should not be allowed to have a public political life without serving out due punishment in accordance with the country’s relevant laws and regulations.

Abdul Basit Alvi
Muzaffarabad

Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2024