Accountability

This letter refers to the article ‘Democracy beyond elections’ (December 28, 2023) by Husain Haqqani. We have tried to hold free and fair elections several times but each time the losing party/ies end up complaining of foul play, creating an environment where the elections results become tainted. We are also seemingly unable to escape the cycle of governments being removed before their term is up. Another point to ponder is that after every election the people tend to hold a lot of hope that the new government will improve things and move the country forward. Sadly, these hopes, more often than not, end in disappointment.

Governance tends to stall, the opposition makes its job to disrupt rather than contribute to governance, and the new administration finds itself unable to initiate its programme and gets consumed in dealing with conflicts and controversies. What we need this time is some accountability of the leaders who take the helm by their own parties and their voter base. Town hall meetings should be arranged frequently to facilitate this process. The new government should not be let loose to enjoy the perks of power and not worry about their voters until the next general election.

Anas A Khan

Edmonton

Canada