Party loyalties and family connections trump merit in upcoming Senate elections

In the lead-up to the Senate elections set for early April in Pakistan, the political scene is increasingly characterized by the familiar trend of nepotism and dynastic politics, sidelining party workers and merit-based considerations. This phenomenon is not confined to a single province but is a nationwide issue, evident across Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), and Balochistan.

In Sindh, the stronghold of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the influence of familial ties is glaring, with significant figures like Mian Raza Rabbani, a senior party leader and former chairman of the Senate, being notably absent from the list of candidates. Instead, nominations have gone to individuals closely linked to party elites, such as Nadeem Bhutto and Quratulain Marri, highlighting a departure from merit-based selections.

Shahab Usto, a political analyst, points out that such practices underscore a deeper political culture rooted in personal relationships rather than democratic principles. He suggests that to counter this trend, there’s a dire need to reinforce democratic norms within parties themselves.

A similar situation unfolded in Punjab, where Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) loyalists and influential figures like Mohsin Naqvi and Ahad Cheema have been preferred for Senate nominations. Dr Hassan Askari, another political analyst, criticizes this approach for sidelining genuine party workers and perpetuating dynastic politics.

The trend continues in K-P, where political families maintain their stronghold. Figures such as Faisal Javed and Azam Khan Swati from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have secured nominations, despite the party facing criticism for repeating tickets.

This pattern of favouritism has raised concerns among senior parliamentarians and former senators about the Senate’s declining standards. The emphasis on connections over competence has led to a deterioration in the quality of debate and legislative oversight, with the Senate risk being relegated to a mere “protocol house.”

Former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan and senior politician Zahid Khan have both voiced concerns over the erosion of the Senate’s significance due to the influx of inexperienced and non-political individuals. They argue that without the presence of seasoned lawmakers committed to democratic principles, the Senate risks losing its foundational purpose.

As the elections approach, the spotlight on nepotism and the sidelining of merit in the nomination process underscores the challenges facing Pakistan’s democratic institutions. The call for reform and a return to merit-based selections grows louder, emphasizing the need for political parties to prioritize the nation’s democratic health over personal connections and familial ties.