Pakistan is going to have general elections on May 11 this year. The country has had several elections during the last three decades. But the May 11 elections have a special significance because it is for the first time in the nation's history that an elected government has completed its full five- year term, and hopefully, is going to be succeeded by another elected government. In the past, no elected government was able to complete its term of office; the governments were either dismissed before the completion of their tenure or ousted by a military dictator. The country has been under military rule for almost half of its 65 years history.

The success of the outgoing government in completing its tenure was made possible by the maturity shown by the politicians, belonging to both the ruling party as well as those of the opposition. Despite many critical junctures which came during the past five years, they did not waver to provide an opportunity to 'the Establishment' as the military top brass has come to be known in Pakistan. The politicians decided the issues amongst themselves.

Even greater credit goes to the people for this feat; the common people came under great pressure due to a sharp increase in the prices and other economic woes. But they stood firm in their commitment to democracy despite many attempts by some quarters to distract them from the path.

Another welcome development in the country has been its progress towards a two- party system represented by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz led by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and the Pakistan Peoples Party of late Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, now led by her son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. The main contest in the elections is likely to be between the aforesaid two big parties.

A third force has also emerged on the country's political horizon in the shape of Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf led by former cricket hero, Imran Khan, who has wide appeal amongst the youth. There are a host of other parties also which are in the field, including some old ones with a long history. But none of them can stand alone; they generally join multi party alliances as witnessed in other democracies too. After the elections, these smaller parties become part of the ruling coalition or join the opposition led by one of the two major parties. A similar set up may emerge in the wake of the coming elections.

The elections are, however, not without a challenge. The biggest threat comes from the militant groups led by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or the TTP, which has openly opposed not only the elections which it describes as a western institution, but some of the political parties too which have secular agendas. There have been incidents of terrorist attacks on rallies of some of the parties and on the candidates causing serious concern among the targeted parties. Nevertheless, they are undeterred and are determined to go ahead. The elections are going to be a big test for the government and the people of Pakistan.

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