Popular applause veers with the wind. - John Bright Whenever there is a civilian government at the helm of affairs in Pakistan, certain events are purposely created to lead it to an early demise of democracy. Nobody can deny the fact that Pakistan today is facing multiple problems, most of which are created due to weak government policies. And one fact that remains unchanged is that our political leadership has learned no lessons from history or their own bitter experiences. Thus, the same mistakes are repeated over and over again, which have messed up not only the countrys economic growth, but also other vital interests. So the anti-democratic forces, who do not believe in the supremacy and will of the people, have often succeeded in getting power through dubious means. This has definitely not helped Pakistan or its citizens. There are ominous signs that in case the political leadership does not put its own house in order, the result will be bad for the growth of democracy. If this happens, it will be a grave tragedy for the people of Pakistan, who have sacrificed a lot for the restoration of state institutions. For those who think that an independent judiciary, or for that matter a free and vibrant media and the civil society, will thwart any move that would derail the democratic dispensation in Pakistan will be proved wrong, keeping in view the deteriorating economic and law and order situation of the country. At the same time, the politicians must remember that if they try to incite social unrest among the masses, the situation may get out of control that not auguring well for the country. And thus it may provide an opportunity to those who have no faith in the democratic institutions. Presently, several political leaders seem to be gearing up for mid-term elections in Pakistan. Some are calling for a revolution, while others are accusing the government of abject failure and therefore demanding that it seeks a fresh mandate from the people. Even a political party like Jamiat-i-Ulema (JUI-F) has the audacity to criticise the government from what it sees as a string of failures without bothering about its own opportunistic conduct of remaining soaked up in its existence for long. The mainstream political parties, and those who now realise their folly of boycotting the last elections, are also clamouring for an early election. But the PPP, which has a strong vote bank in all the five provinces, are trying to avoid the elections by rightly claiming that it was elected for a period of five years, and so the demand to hold early elections in the country is premature. Another school of thought believes that early elections will only repeat the present political scenario where no single party will emerge as sole winner. Therefore, mid-term elections are not a solution for the challenges facing the nation. In fact, it has now been established that the PML-N, which has started severely criticising the government in an attempt to sway the voters in its favour, was not fully prepared even if the PPP decided to hold the elections. Since the events are moving at a much faster pace than anticipated by most of our political leaders, the PPP has decided to play one of its trump cards by deciding that they will have a separate Saraiki province on their election manifesto of the next general elections. So those who understand the political dynamics of southern Punjab are sure that Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilanis announcement, on behalf of his party, is a master stroke that will cut deep into the power base of its main political adversary the PML-N. In case a Saraiki province is carved out in Punjab, it will weaken the (N) League politically to an extent where it may not be able to mount a formidable challenge to the PPP when the general elections are held. So the political heat is rising in the country, which is expected to reach a crescendo before the next elections. In addition, the PML-N is likely to suffer in some urban areas too. Since the candidates, who contest from the platform of PML-Q or PTI will deprive the PML-N of its present edge against the PPP creating more serious problems for Mian Nawaz Sharif. This is why, several (N) leaders never wanted their party to bid farewell to the PPP leadership in Punjab. However, now it will be easy for Peoples Party to act as an opposition in the largest province. But will this help shake off the yoke of incumbency remains to be seen. Moreover, the PPPs decision to take the PML-Q on board at this juncture may smell of political opportunism. According to records, although the PML-Q supported the PPP immediately after the results of the general elections were announced, but political prudence prevailed and the Party opted to go with Mian Nawaz, a signatory to the Charter of Democracy, and the MQM, a coalition partner with which it has had a turbulent ride since then. Therefore, nobody should blame the PPP for playing the PML-Q card, especially after PML-N manipulated the creation of a dissident fraction of PML-Q in an effort to remain in power in Punjab. Unfortunately, our political parties have thrown all principles to the wind. Therefore, as the day for the next 'general elections draws closer, nearly all the parties have reverted to political manoeuvring - some of which negate the principles of democracy and morality. While these machinations continue to gather pace, there is a danger that political wrangling and mudslinging may rapidly reach a crescendo that may create yet another window of opportunity for those who have never accepted the will of the people. Another political casualty that is expected during the next election would be the religious political parties, who were able to win more seats than their actual political strength during the Musharraf regime, and are now expected to be cut in size that will reflect their actual political strength. Much of the political jockeying seen today may also be smart ploys to influence the coming elections in the Senate, and therefore may allow the present government to continue for some more time before a real bare knuckle political fight erupts in Pakistan. The writer is a freelance columnist. Email: zarnatta@hotmail.com