IN the recent by-elections in Punjab, the opposition party regained 15 of the 20 seats contested. While galloping inflation and prolonged blackouts definitely contributed to the failure of the ruling coalition to make further inroads, it was the credulity of the electorate that played a key role in this regard.
Clearly, the opposition party was able to build a narrative that encouraged the masses to f all behind it without questioning the authenticity of the various critical elements of that narrative.
Joseph Goebbels had rightly said that if one could tell a lie big enough for long enough, `people will eventually come to believe it`. In today`s Pakistan, there is little space for reason and ample scope for emotions, and lies are believed without much hesitancy.
The experience is not limited to the current opposition. The electorate seldom makes the calculated choice and goes for pompous narratives tossed around in aggressive campaigns. We, the Pakistanis, need to put our act together by improving our political understanding and acumen.
