DEMOCRACY IN PAKISTAN

The assassination of Benazir Bhutto has led to media outlets all over the globe lamenting it as a major setback in the push for democracy in Pakistan. These assertions were based on the fact that Ms. Bhutto was an outspoken critic of pro-Islamic militant groups and was more willing than Musharraf to work with Washington to crack down on Taliban and Al-Qaeda forces currently hiding in the mountains between Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, the headlines this morning of the Pakistan Peoples Party - Ms. Bhutto's opposition party - choosing her 19-year old son to succeed her as chairman of the party is somewhat contradictory to the principles of democracy.

If the PPP is truly committed to democracy, one might ask why did its central executive committee choose a 19-year old college student, with zero experience in politics, as its chairman? One of the underlying tenets of democracy is that nepotism has no place in a democratic society and individuals are rewarded based on meritocracy. Is there any doubt that Bilawal Zardari, who spends his days on the campus grounds of Oxford University, was chosen purely because he is the son of a revered former leader of the party? Is the PPP more interested in establishing a political dynasty instead?

In an apparent attempt to alleviate any concerns of the boy's inability to handle the job, the PPP also chose Ms. Bhutto's husband Asif Ali Zardari to serve as co-chairman who will also be primarily responsible for the daily affairs of the party. The senior Zardari told reporters to direct questions at him because his son was at a "tender age."

The appointment of Asif Zardari as co-chairman itself is questionable. This is a person who 8 years under detention on corruption and murder charges in Pakistan before his release in late 2004. While he has denied all allegations, he is hardly the most credible person to lead any fight for democracy. It remains to be seen how someone with such a tainted record will able to unite the country if the PPP emerges victorious in the upcoming elections.