THE spectre of a possible ultra religious right and militant right presence in parliament has given way to a wholly welcome first: the election of Mahesh Kumar Malani, a Hindu candidate of the PPP, on a general seat from Tharparkar. Mr Malani is the first Hindu candidate to be directly elected to the National Assembly since the reintroduction of a joint electorate system in 2002; a feel-good story from an election that has otherwise been blighted by controversy, allegations, violence and fear. Mr Malani’s victory follows the election in March of Krishna Kumari Kohli on a reserved women’s seat in the Senate, giving the PPP the distinction of once again leading the way on non-Muslim representation in the elected assemblies. Certainly, Mr Malani and Ms Kohli should be evaluated on their individual records as parliamentarians and legislators, but the PPP is laudably attempting to create fresh space in an otherwise stifling political environment for progressive, non-Muslim voices. Without the support of mainstream political parties, the voices at the margins of the national discourse will not be easily heard.

It is not merely non-Muslim religious groups that are underrepresented in the competition for general seats; women, people with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups are routinely overlooked too. For women and non-Muslims, what was created as a constitutional safeguard may have inadvertently become an impediment to greater political participation. A significant quota for them in all elected assemblies via party nomination and indirect election has perhaps given the major political parties an excuse to not bring more of them into ministerial or decision-making legislative roles. Mere numbers do not translate into true representation, and the country’s mainstream political parties should be encouraged to create meaningful space for all in national politics. The spread of toxic rhetoric and hate speech in recent times in the national discourse will surely have had an impact on non-Muslims groups and their perception of politics. The incoming parliament should consider steps that can be taken to reassure all disadvantaged groups.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2018