Poll results show maturity in people's attitude

People's enthusiastic and overwhelming participation in the recent general elections was another demonstration of their unflinching commitment and loyalty with their country. Their deep attachment and love for Pakistan was amply proved, when over 40 percent turnout to vote in the February 18 polls.
The democratic transition process which many think will never be held, has proved beyond any doubt that the source of power still remains with the 160 million people of Pakistan.
The traditional allegations of rigging by the losing party or candidates has largely been missing and instead a good precedent was set by PML(Q) chief Chaudhry Shujaat by openly accepting the election result.
The voters turnout at the ballot box has proved political pundits wrong that it will not go beyond 30 or 33 percent. They had mainly based their prediction on the voters' turnout in the past many elections and the prevailing law and order situation in the country.
According to the Election Commission statistics, over 40 percent people came out to use their right of franchise, although according to media reports the voters visit to the polling stations was thin but picked up later.
The election results also bring forth the fact that people are no more swayed by the big names in politics, who have come down like house of cards.
Majority of the federal ministers, who contested elections riding high on the 'popularity wave' of the ruling coalition, were not judged good enough by the voters to once again return to power.
The key leaders of winning parties, have also displayed political maturity when they say that they want to strengthen democracy and make policies in the greater national interest.
These leaders, whose parties have got another chance to take Pakistan on the path to economic progress, also want to take along other political parties with them while forming the next government.
They know that these elected members are also representatives of millions of voters whose input in national policies is as important as those representing majority. The new ruling coalition will have a plethora of problems to deal with, which the country at present is facing.