Changa Manga Politics
A History of Political Horse-Trading in Pakistan
Political horse-trading, the unethical practice of buying and selling lawmakers’ loyalties, has been a persistent feature of Pakistani politics. While this phenomenon exists in many parts of the world, it has become particularly notorious in Pakistan, where it has been institutionalized through secret dealings, financial incentives, and coercion.
The term “Changa Manga politics” has become synonymous with this practice in Pakistan. It originates from the Changa Manga forest in Punjab, where politicians reportedly kept lawmakers in isolation to prevent them from switching allegiances. Over time, it has come to define an era of Pakistani politics where democracy was repeatedly undermined through manipulation, bribery, and coercion.
Origins of Changa Manga Politics
The phrase “Changa Manga politics” was coined in the early 1990s, during the intense political rivalry between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). During this period, allegations surfaced that both parties engaged in vote-buying, bribing lawmakers, and using state resources to secure their grip on power.
The most infamous incident that led to the term’s creation took place in 1993, when the PML-N reportedly kept a group of lawmakers in Changa Manga forest to ensure they did not switch loyalties before a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. This act was allegedly aimed at isolating the legislators from external influences, preventing their defection to the opposition, and securing their votes in parliament.
Since then, “Changa Manga politics” has become a catchphrase for political horse-trading in Pakistan, representing a larger problem of money-driven politics, weak ideological commitments, and the erosion of democratic principles.
The 1990s: A Decade of Political Turmoil and Horse-Trading
The 1990s were marked by frequent political instability, dismissals of governments, and manipulations of democratic processes. The alternating governments of PML-N and PPP often accused each other of corruption, electoral fraud, and political engineering. Some of the most notorious instances of political horse-trading during this period include:
The Changa Manga Episode (1993): In 1993, a political crisis unfolded between Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and President Ghulam Ishaq Khan. The power struggle escalated into a no-confidence motion against Bhutto in the National Assembly, with PML-N actively seeking to bring down her government. To secure the required numbers, the PML-N allegedly rounded up several lawmakers and took them to Changa Manga forest, keeping them under surveillance and away from opposition offers. This was reportedly done to prevent any defections and to ensure their participation in the vote. Although the exact details remain disputed, this incident solidified the practice of political horse-trading in Pakistan’s democratic framework, with parties openly engaging in the buying and selling of loyalties.
The 1996 Dismissal of Benazir Bhutto: By 1996, Benazir Bhutto’s second government was facing serious allegations of corruption and misgovernance, leading to discontent within her own party. Several lawmakers from the PPP were allegedly coerced or bribed to switch sides, leading to political instability. Eventually, President Farooq Leghari dismissed Bhutto’s government, citing corruption and lawlessness. However, critics argue that this was partly orchestrated through behind-the-scenes maneuvering, including the use of financial incentives to turn lawmakers against her.
The 1997 PML-N Government and Political Retaliations: When Nawaz Sharif returned to power in 1997, he consolidated control over state institutions, particularly the judiciary. However, allegations of political horse-trading resurfaced when opposition lawmakers were reportedly induced to support Sharif’s constitutional amendments, which aimed to weaken the presidency and strengthen the prime minister’s office.
The 2000s: Military Rule and Institutionalized Manipulation
During the 2000s, political horse-trading evolved into a more systematic practice under military rule, as the establishment played a direct role in engineering alliances, creating splinter factions, and manipulating electoral processes.
Musharraf’s Regime and the Birth of “King’s Party”: When General Pervez Musharraf seized power in a coup in 1999, he needed political legitimacy to sustain his rule. His regime allegedly used coercion and financial incentives to break the PML-N and PPP, leading to the creation of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), often referred to as the “King’s Party”. Numerous politicians defected from their original parties to join PML-Q, allegedly in exchange for positions, financial benefits, and relief from corruption cases. This period saw an intensification of controlled democracy, where lawmakers were pressured into supporting the regime.
2008 Elections and the Return of Traditional Horse-Trading: After Musharraf’s exit in 2008, Pakistan witnessed the return of civilian rule, but political horse-trading remained rampant. The PPP, under Asif Ali Zardari, faced accusations of using state resources and financial incentives to maintain a majority in parliament. The PML-N and PPP repeatedly accused each other of engaging in Changa Manga-style tactics, particularly during Senate elections, where lawmakers were reportedly bought to secure favorable outcomes.
The 2010s and 2020s: Continuation of the Changa Manga Legacy
Despite democratic progress, political horse-trading has remained a defining feature of Pakistan’s electoral system, especially during Senate elections, votes of no-confidence, and general elections.
Senate Elections and Open Vote Buying: The 2018 and 2021 Senate elections saw allegations that lawmakers were offered large sums of money to vote against their party’s candidates. Secretly recorded videos emerged in which legislators were seen allegedly accepting bribes in exchange for their votes. In response, efforts were made to introduce open-ballot voting, but resistance from political parties ensured that the practice remained largely unchecked.
2022 No-Confidence Motion Against Imran Khan: One of the most dramatic examples of Changa Manga politics came in 2022, when Prime Minister Imran Khan was ousted through a no-confidence motion. Khan accused opposition parties of using foreign funds and bribes to buy lawmakers, claiming that members of his party had been offered up to Rs. 200 million each to defect. Videos surfaced showing lawmakers staying at private residences or “safe houses” under the opposition’s watch, echoing the Changa Manga incident of 1993. The crisis deepened mistrust in Pakistan’s political system and reinforced the perception that loyalties could be purchased for the right price.
The Legal and Ethical Implications
Weak Party Discipline: Changa Manga politics has weakened party discipline, as lawmakers frequently switch allegiances based on personal gains rather than ideological commitments.
Undermining Democracy: The practice erodes democratic integrity, as elected representatives are influenced by financial incentives rather than public mandate.
Legal Efforts and Challenges: Although Article 63A of the Constitution prohibits floor-crossing and disloyalty to one’s party, loopholes in enforcement allow the practice to continue. Laws remain weakly implemented, making it difficult to prevent and penalize political horse-trading.
Conclusion
Changa Manga politics remains one of the most damaging aspects of Pakistan’s democracy, representing a cycle where money and coercion dictate political allegiances rather than public service or ideology. From the 1993 Changa Manga forest incident to recent Senate elections and no-confidence motions, the practice continues to undermine democratic principles and governance.
Despite legal attempts to curb it, horse-trading remains deeply embedded in Pakistan’s political culture. Without meaningful electoral reforms, transparency, and institutional accountability, Changa Manga-style politics will continue to thrive, weakening Pakistan’s democracy for years to come.