Hung parliament to step up instability: PEW

01 May, 2013

The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Tuesday said the upcoming elections will result in a fragmented government which will result in continued political and economic instability hurting millions more. The uncertainty may not be settled after elections as another era of horse-trading will take toll on the limping economy, it said.
Majority of those who supported PPP in 2008 elections are disappointed due the hardships inflicted upon them in the name of democracy, said Dr Murtaza Mughal, President Pakistan Economy Watch. He said that the divided rivals of PPP are busy in luring masses and using issue of energy crisis which has unnerved people but none has a concrete plan to resolve outstanding issues.
Dr Murtaza Mughal said that politicians are issuing contradictory statements and promising a change which is unlikely to happen in the current set of circumstances. A national hero turned politician has been trying to capitalise on anger at corruption while promising significant steps to tackle terrorism and revive economy but he lacks support in rural areas.
Similarly, an industrialist who has served as prime minister twice has become very popular due to inefficiency and mismanagement of his coalition partners in centre but his votes may get divided. Mughal said that in such a situation no party will be having a clear mandate which will result in a coalition government where smaller parties will be dictating terms.
A weak government in the centre will not be able to take tough and unpopular decision or fulfil promises forcing country to carry a begging bowl after few years. Failure of the government to deliver will only add to the frustration among masses and heightened security challenges which will trigger unforeseen problems, warned Dr Mughal. He said that the disaster in the making can be averted if masses vote on merit.

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