Gone a-begging

Every crisis also presents an opportunity. Almost all the political parties protested in one way or the other about the results of the latest elections. That not everything was right with the outcome appears to have become the de-facto consensus among many. Yet all stakeholders went ahead with forming their governments and started their political wheeling and dealing. An alternative way to tackle this impasse, painful and unorthodox but workable, was for all parties to refuse to accept the results.

This could have provided an opportunity to right wrongs. But yet again, the parties just went ahead and grabbed whatever was offered to them. This collective selfishness must be equally blamed for the weak state of our democracy and the parliamentary system not fully taking root in the country. Unless some radical steps are taken, this cycle will continue.

Anas A Khan

Edmonton

Canada