One of the decisive factors in the outcome of any elections is how far a political party is able to motivate and mobilize its supporters to cast vote. As the local bodies’ elections in Karachi are to be held on 5 December 2015, it appears that only the supporters of the MQM have sufficient motivation to go to the polling stations in large numbers. The Karachi Operation is in progress since September 2013 and, although it has targeted the Taliban and Lyari gangsters as well, the MQM seems to have succeeded in convincing the majority of ‘Mohajirs’ that the operation is primarily directed against them. During the last few months one has heard a lot about those who have plundered the national wealth on a massive scale. Among them are some big names belonging to the Pakistan People’s Party and the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), the parties representing the interests of rural Sindh and Punjab respectively. The delay in taking action against them despite much hype created by electronic media has sent wrong signals. Obviously the Urdu-speaking community is observing the reluctance on the part of the ‘Establishment’ to act against such elements with much concern, and has apparently bought the argument of the MQM that the Karachi Operation is discriminatory. 

 

 

The Urdu-speaking community seems to have reached the conclusion that despite all its failings only the MQM can safeguard its interests. Due to its all-Pakistan status and composition, the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf – the MQM’s principal rival – cannot focus exclusively on promoting the interests of the ‘Mohajirs’. Besides, the PTI wave has subsided since the last year’s dharna at Islamabad. The MQM has repeatedly conceded that there might be criminal elements within its fold. But it registers protest when raids are conducted on its offices to apprehend those who are allegedly involved in anti-social activities, accusing the law-enforcement agencies of creating hurdles in its election campaign for local bodies. Its supporters readily agree that the MQM has not been offered a level field. It is human nature that it reacts against perceived injustice. In the past the MQM supporters have shown solidarity with their party whenever they perceived that it was being treated in unjust manner. The situation has developed in which they would find sufficient reason to assert that they are with the MQM by casting votes in its favour. The MQM has an organizational set-up that is experienced and well-trained in the art of electioneering. It is not a difficult task for them to translate its support into a sweeping electoral victory.