IN blatant disregard of the sanctity of democracy, the caretaker government, abetted by a conspicuously passive ECP, suspended mobile and internet services on election day, citing security threats.

The move rendered thousands of voters clueless as to where their polling stations were, as the ECP’s 8300 SMS service could only be operated on mobile networks. The decision not only defies court orders mandating uninterrupted internet connectivity during the polls, it raises a glaring question: how does snapping communication channels deter terrorism?

The rationale is mind-boggling.

Terrorism, which predates the internet, cannot be effectively combated with such indiscriminate shutdowns. Instead, these actions hinder critical communication among citizens and emergency services, potentially compromising rather than enhancing security. The decision is part of a broader pattern of behaviour by the caretakers and ECP that smacks of bias.

In the lead-up to the election, we witnessed what has been decried by some politicians as pre-poll rigging with PTI candidates harassed, detained, and prevented from filing nomination papers. The prime minister’s admission in a foreign media interview that he could not guarantee free and fair elections undermines any remaining shreds of credibility.

Moreover, the chief election commissioner’s attempt to distance himself and the ECP from the decision to suspend services, attributing it to law-enforcement agencies, is a feeble attempt to absolve himself of responsibility.

The ECP’s role is not to be a passive observer but to actively ensure the integrity of the electoral process. Their failure to do so, and to protect the rights of citizens to freely express their will at the polls, is a betrayal of their mandate. The actions of the caretakers and the ECP have not only disenfranchised voters and compromised the electoral process but have also set a dangerous precedent for future polls.

Severing communications under the guise of security, the pre-election harassment of opposition candidates, and the flouting of court orders and democratic norms paint a picture of institutions that have lost sight of their basic duty. The caretaker government and ECP must be held accountable for violating the sacred trust of the people. Their actions stand in stark contrast to their raison d’être: holding fair and transparent polls.

The people deserve better; they deserve an unimpeded chance to shape their destinies through the ballot box, without the shadow of manipulation or coercion.

Published in Dawn, February 9th, 2024