I am rather surprised that a person from opposition like Imran Khan or anyone else (excluding Qazi as discussed later) decided for a boycott just for some simple straight forward reasons.

1. PPP was never going to boycott elections. Unfortunate truth is that if everyone else boycotts and PPP doesnt (and BB will never do it as directed by Washington), even then elections would get some credibility.

2. Where will our struggle stand and how will the judges be reinstated if in next assembly PMLQ, MQM and PPP give indemnity to Musharraf and all his actions with 2/3rd majority?

3. All a dictator wants from opposition is a boycott (I hope we all remember Zia’s words regarding then boycott, that he slept very well the night he came to know about this decision). Boycotting or contesting elections …. what do you think Musharraf would prefer from opposition parties ? And by opposition I only mean Nawaz Sharif, ANP, PTI and few other small regional parties.

Ideally he would want both Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif to boycott who could win majority in Punjab despite rigging. Instead of going for rigging any dictator anywhere in the world will always like opposition to choose an option of boycott instead.

4. Isn't it true that people of Pakistan have failed miserably since Nov 3rd to pressurize government on this issue. Not even 500 civilians have gathered anywhere in Pakistan. Then how do we think that boycott was even an option?

On the other hand, in situations like this, election is the best and easiest way to mobilize people as no matter how strict a goverment is, in order to save its own face, it has to give atleast some freedom to opposition.

5. Opposition had much stronger street power in 85 than now. Being anti establishment party and highly popular in masses, PPP was seen as double edged sword; even then opposition completely failed to achieve any purpose after boycotting those elections and couldnt move a hair; Zia was still as strong as ever.

6. On the other hand, the same assembly which gave indemnity to Zia became an issue for him and was the one which raised red flags for him. I strongly believe that presence of Imran Khan, Nawaz Sharif or Achakzai in assembly could have never worked for Musharraf. Also unlike Zia, Musharraf is already weaker as he has taken off his uniform.

7. Besides his security concerns, one thing which has scared Musharraf most is presence of even a small opposition in parliament . This is the reason that he didnt have courage to face parliamant in last 4 years even once. Remember he is the same person who can go to any extent in situation like Lal Masjid or Judiciary but becomes a goat when it comes to addressing parliamant for merely 10 minutes .

8. If we claim that participation in elections itself (even by opposition) means negotiating with Musharraf then someone can claim that just living in Pakistan itself means accepting army’s rule.

9. Qazi being an establishment's own man and Musharraf's right hand during 17th amendement has once again been successful in half of his assigned job i.e convincing both Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif to boycott. Remember it's the same party, JI which was being scolded just 2-3 weeks ago in getting Imran Khan arrested at the very crucial moment and now they are holding hands together.

10. And if someone is so emotional about boycott then he could have announced it on the eve of elections and used the compaign to mobilize people against Musharraf. Lets imagine that Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan had announced to boycott together and had started a movement. If there was ever a slightest chance of success, both would have been put in jail along with all others .... and that would have been the end of the story.

This is what happened with lawyers movement when Aitzaz, Munir Malik and Kurd were put in jail. In their absence lawyers haven't been able to attract even 1000 people anywhere.

Sometimes you have to unclog a drain by using your hand and in this process they do get dirty. I seriously think that whether its Imran Khan or Nawaz Sharif or Benazir or someone else ... whoever promises to reinstate judiciary should be voted for to stop Pro Musharraf getting 2/3rd majority. Even if we fail in this, unlike a boycott there will still be plenty left to fight for.