Pakistan Verdict.

On reading the poll verdict in Pakistan, it shows that its people have cleverly NOT given a clear mandate to any one party to usher in democratic rule for their country, lest it become autocratic. In my view, they want the parties not only to rule and behave democratically, but also to breathe democracy in future. They have emphatically voiced their opinion against religious fundamentalism, and military authoritarianism. They expect religion, and military to perform their roles in the areas meant for them and NOT mix with governance of the country.

After the elections, it is a practice of every party to pat their backs, and draw their own biased lessons. They shut their eyes to realities, and flounder in governance thereafter only to be defeated at the next hustings.

As per newspaper reports, The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) with 87 seats, The Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) with 66 seats, Pakistan Muslim League -Q (PML-Q) with 38, and the other smaller parties, the rest out of 272 seats. Some call it a hung verdict, but the trend is clear.

The PPP, though in majority, have to seek the help and co-operation of PML-N, to run the government as coalition. It is too early to predict its performance. But, both the parties have to exhibit maturity, and solve many issues with caution and wisdom for the betterment of that country. It would be in their interest to tread on a friendly path in every walk of life.

The Benazir Bhutto sympathy wave though not effective, has given that party a lead in the seats. Nawaz sheriff, keeping aside his past, did exhibit sincerity in espousing the major issues, like reinstatement of the judiciary, and reversing the constitutional amendments ushered illegally by Musharraf. Both the parties appear to take the path of vengeance against Musharraf. That remains to be seen.

Credit must be given to Musharraf for conducting the elections without violence, and fairly as promised by him. Because of this act, the other parties got the seats they have now. The Result, though a setback for him, Musharraf is indirectly sounding a pardonable approach to be taken toward him, probably with the help of U.S. Administration.

Do the Pakistani people want that? It appears so, for the party he backed did get some seats. Should he be pardoned? It would be better he steps down. Leaders may be ruthless, but people are more sympathetic.

The role played by U.S. Observers during the elections would become debatable in due course, although they conducted themselves with dignity, and have not influenced the voters. The question that could be raised is - Would the U.S.Government allow outsiders as Poll observers during their ensuing Presidential elections? It is a changing world, and new demands are being raised. Thanks to the internet, Awareness on issues is growing.

The media in India did cover all the events, as the verdict is equally important to the bilateral relations between the heads of both the governments. All these years, since partition, there was belligerent attitude adopted by the Pakistani leaders. The country did not economically prosper, even though it was an ally of the U.S. It is a puzzle.

Many in India are happy about the democratic thinking of Pakistani people, and their resilience to withstand dictatorship rule for several years. It is time for the Pakistanis living abroad to pass on their experiences to their fellow citizens back home what it is like living in a democratic ruled country.

The country now appears to have just come out of the pit of turmoil, and would certainly look towards making it a nice place to live, free from terrorists, and free from danger.

U.S.Polls: Work for Psephologists, and all.

There is enough statistical data that is available to Democratic Party at the week end after Super Tuesday to understand the trend and strength of candidate’s chances for getting nominated to the coming US Presidential Elections. Yet, till its convention is over, the official nominee would not be known. There may or may not be deals. But the contest has created enormous interest like a suspense thriller. The participation by the delegates is praiseworthy. They want to choose an able leader, and looking for a “Change”. That is for sure.

With Mitt Romney, opting out of the race from Republican Party’s nomination, John McCain would be that Party’s candidate, who would be facing either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. Permutations and combinations are already on for that crucial election, and the psephologists have to burn midnight oil to come up with predictions. How fantastic the whole show is turning out to be!

There is an English idiom - Birds of a feather flock together. Its applicability is visible whenever elections are held across states and country, anywhere in the world.

The contesting candidates also aim at garnering those votes with rhetoric’s appropriate to the situation. It is a fact of life that a candidate’s root in terms of race flashes in the mind of voters, though it ought not to be the factor at all. The thought is a despicable one in my view. But then reality is different and truth is bitter.

The voters’ preference and choice would change if the contest is between Obama and McCain, as also if the contest is between Hillary Clinton and McCain. There would be cross voting. That would lead to splits in the voting pattern within states and across the United States. The hitherto weak and strong states of Clinton, as also that of Obama would undergo a change that could prove decisive against McCain.

With Mitt Romney out of the race, those remaining delegates of the Democratic Party would have to rethink as to who would be a strong candidate from their party to fight McCain. So, the priorities would shift.

Barack Obama is the youngest of the three in the fray now, and a new face for the American’s to decide. Why and Why not? History of that country has precedence in electing JFK, and his leadership is an example. His words “Ask not what the country can do for you, ask what you can do for the country” should ring aloud in the ears of Americans. This is the time to show what you can do for your country.

Hillary Clinton is different than the other two by gender. That should not matter. Women have that sixth sense to play safe and put forth their views strongly to make others fall in line through emotional appeals. Why not? Former Prime Minister of United Kingdom, Margaret Thatcher is a classic example, whose leadership earned her the nickname “Iron Lady”; Before her, Prime Minister of Israel Late Golda Meir got that nickname too; and India’s erstwhile Prime minister late Smt. Indira Gandhi, whose decision to impose emergency, though jolted the then opposition, proved a point that a woman is capable of taking tough decisions, and can withstand in a male dominated game, when it comes to the question of governance.

John McCain is a seasoned senator, well admired for his forthright views on several issues. But sometimes, his experience could work against him. The world is fast changing with peoples’ expectations soaring high; the economic reforms the world over is bringing about a shift in Power base; could the traditional views hold high under the circumstances? There is a generation gap in viewing the perspectives.

The voter is in a dilemma. But a decision has to be made, keeping aside personal emotions, passions and blind faith. Pragmatism and wisdom could be among the factors to cast a vote. It is very interesting to observe that loyalties and opinions are divided amongst families, amongst friends, amongst countries not only in USA, but outside too.

My wife thinks that the post of President of USA should go to a male that would be befitting in the present conditions. Women should be behind the scenes. Age old thinking?

As for my opinion- I tossed a coin in the air, and it is still hanging there, defying laws of gravity.

Hillary Clinton vs. Barack Obama

Far from the Democratic and Republican Presidential nomination battle that is on in USA, I in Hyderabad am watching that contest with tension and excitement. Is it going to be a close finish or a tie-breaker for the democratic nomination? I am keeping my fingers crossed.

On the contrary, the Republican Party’s nomination - John McCain appears to be a front-runner, and his nomination certain.

The Americans participation in these Primaries reflects an upsurge in interest in politics; appear determined to change the face of America. The world is certainly watching the developments with equal interest. History is in the making.

It is more than year since the candidates have been canvassing, and criss-crossing the great land raising the expectations of the American citizens for a better and a peaceful atmosphere; looking for reforms in many sectors to revive their economy, make the dollar more strong; and to project a shining image that has gone into umbra.

I personally feel that whoever becomes the President - Clinton, McCain or Obama - each has the credentials. All depends upon the team of advisers each chooses to run the government. A fresh approach is definitely needed. First, attempt to solve domestic issues, and then frame a foreign policy. I always believed in the approach - win at home, and then attempt to conquer the world.

Come real elections, and that’s going to be even more interesting. It’s going to be between R and D.

I am wary of betting, but I am looking for a thrilling finish. Its going to be a test for American Citizens then.