While the PPP/C owns the Presidency who has sweeping powers and was elected by more voters than other candidates received, it must be noted that he received less than 50% of votes cast. While this does not constitute a majority of the votes cast it still counts for something. However because of the enormous powers in the constitution the President has authority beyond what the voters spoke to. Thus the President should act within this ambit.
The Opposition is not one party or a coalition of parties. It however acts in concert on particular aspects of legislation. Because the combined opposition got more votes than the governing party, when it comes to parliamentary procedures of inquiry and Board membership they have more powers under the constitution. The collective Opposition needs to acknowledge the powers of the Presidency, after all Parliament = National Assembly + President.
So what do we have as a result of a legitimate act of the opposition to table a motion of no confidence? A President who feels governance has more priority than the democratic process. It is the very notion of the type of governance that gave rise to the no-confidence motion. It is clearly a political maneuver.
It is in this context that the public and us in the diaspora must view this piece of political theater.
