Turnout in the February 8 elections in Islamabad may be quite low if the campaigns mounted by various candidates and parties are any indicator. Both door to door canvassing and rallies have lacked enthusiasm and excitement. Many voters The News on Sunday talked to said they had not made up their mind about who to vote for.

“I am not confident that this is going to be a free and fair election. I am afraid that the political chaos and instability could persist,” says Muhammad Ashraf who lives in G-9 sector of the capital.

“What we, the voters, want are elections that bring in stable governments. The country needs some policy consistency and stability. The powers that be should resist the temptation for political engineering. When a party is popular with the voters but not allowed to participate freely, it does not help the common man’s confidence in the system.”

Ashfaq Abbasi, who runs a general store in Banigala, says, “We want a government that can control prices and create job opportunities. The country has a huge debt burden. Still, the focus seems to be on seeking further financial assistance from the International Monitory Fund and other lenders.” Abbasi says his reading of manifestos of major parties has left him apprehensive.

“The powers that be should resist the temptation for political engineering. When a party is popular with the voters but not allowed to participate freely, it does not help the common man’s confidence in the system.”

A drive through the city is instructive. There are no big banners, posters or rallies.

“What can I say about these elections if I cannot vote for a political party or candidate of my choice?” asks Faisal Khan, a shopkeeper in Aabpara. He adds, “My party has been denied an election symbol. The voters are confused. This is clearly not a fair election.”

Ali Gillani, a youth who lives in G-6 sector, says he is clueless about what to do. “I want to see my country prosper. But, in the current situation, this does not seem possible irrespective of who I vote for.” He also says the future of democracy in Pakistan looks bleak.

“The system seems unfair. The elections will cause disappointment among the youth. There is a need for a stable regime in the country,” says Ali Shaheer, who says he is determined to cast his ballot but has yet to make up his mind about who he should vote for.

The writer is a staff member. He can be reached at vaqargillani@gmail.com