Musharraf's second term

A grim-looking President Pervez Musharraf took oath for his second term on Thursday before an a equally sober gathering that clapped the only time when he told the West that "we want democracy, civil liberties and human rights but we will do it our way".
That doing things in his own way may not be so easy in future that he hopes would begin at the end of what he calls the third stage of transition to real democracy. His relatively brief speech at the oath-taking ceremony was, by his own admission, both "nostalgic and emotional," as he recalled nearly half a century long association with the army.
But he was sure "Pakistan will grow stronger with me as civilian President and General Kiyani as army chief". He talked of the "well-thought out conspiracy" hatched by "some elements," including the deposed Chief Justice of Pakistan, which if it had succeeded could have derailed democracy and plunged the nation into chaos and anarchy.
The President also complained that "some elements in the media" had compounded the situation in the wake of terrorism flowing into settled areas. So it was a difficult situation and "I had to act and I did," he declared, though without uttering the words emergency and Provisional Constitutional Order. Undeterred by the opposition's threat of boycotting the January 8 elections, he said, with a come-what-may attitude, that the elections must take place.
From his new perspective, whatever happened had happened and it is now time to move forward towards national consensus and political reconciliation. He felt it was good that Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif were back in Pakistan, as "one has to see beyond oneself". They and all others, he hoped, would not follow the politics of the 90's and move forward with a spirit of reconciliation in a civilised political environment.
Looking at the gathering and recognising most of the faces, one would not think for a moment that anyone of those present in the glittering hall could have disagreed with the President's pungent verdict on the past and his vision of the future though not so clear yet. But they were extremely quiet and subdued, unexpected of friends and allies whose chief had got another five years to rule Pakistan.
Perhaps the solemnity of the occasion stemmed from the realisation that none of the opposition leaders had come to be part of Musharraf's swearing-in for the second term. As President of Pakistan he "should be the head of State and a symbol of the unity of the Republic". His oath under the Constitution also expects him "to do right by all manner of people, according to law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will". By staying away from the oath-taking ceremony the opposition leaders have conveyed to President Musharraf that he is not acceptable to them.
The opposition had boycotted his election and is by and large committed to restoration of the judiciary that seemed inclined to question his eligibility for reelection. And now they did not come to attend his oath-taking ceremony. Given that a bitter harvest President Musharraf has to reap, the times to come are not expected to be tranquil and peaceful for him.
Having said that, we would still not forsake hope that things can take a turn for the better provided tolerance rules the national political landscape with a commitment to coexistence. However, in the present circumstances, a great responsibility lies on the shoulders of the President to create and obtain an ideal atmosphere.
The second term beginning at this crucial juncture in the country's history, wreathes Pervez Musharraf in a rainbow of challenges and opportunities. First the challenges that confront him. He must bring the opposition on board, because the Constitution mandates him to act on behalf of all, and not merely of the party or coalition that elected him.
Then, his position as President is fundamentally symbolic as head of state in keeping with the parliamentary system that we have. As President he is expected to be apolitical but watching things from a respectable distance - away from the bunch of cronies who would never tire of reminding him of his power under Article 58(2) b. At the same time, President Musharraf must give serious thought to the need for lifting emergency rule and withdrawing the media-muzzling ordinances.
On the face of it, he would find it hard to concede what is no more extant, but realism must prevail to allow acceptance of the reality of the situation. There is, however, an opportunity at hand to build on the economic stability available by securing political certainty and national cohesion, with the help of his self-less friends at home and allies in the developed world. And in this endeavour his special relationship with the armed forces would be an additional asset.