Coalition must work together

Yusuf Raza Gillani is the new prime minister of Pakistan. Mr Gillani was picked by Asif Zardari over old party loyalist Amin Fahim, who was expecting to be PPP's nominee for prime minister. There are reports that this has already caused some infighting in the party. It is imperitive that PPP and the new coalition unite and work together to give the democratic process a good start. It is also crucial that Mr Gillani and the new government must be allowed to serve out the full five year term. There are speculations that Mr Zardari picked Mr Gillani as the candidate to pave the way for himself to be elected as the PM in the coming months. Such a move would rob the process of credibilty and would be seen as self serving. Mr Zardari should also conduct party's affairs in a more democratic way so PPP is not seen as Bhutto-Zardari personal property.

Political parties should initiate internal reforms making the process democratic-- picking their leaders and candidates through internal party elections instead of through family loyalties.

Looking forward Pakistan should also have term limits for the post of prime minister. Limiting premiership to two terms would ensure that no one family or person will monopolize politics in Pakistan. It will also lead to greater faith in the democratic process and institutions.

If the newly elected representatives can unite and work to bring about change at national and internal-party level, democracy can truly flourish in Pakistan.