ONE would hope that the Charter of Democracy signed by Ms Benazir Bhutto and Mian Nawaz Sharif in 2006, and endorsed by several other political parties, is used as a basis for a lasting equation between the democratic forces in the country. Mian Nawaz has told an Indian TV channel that he was ready for a patch-up if the government were to implement the Charter of Democracy. It is difficult to find fault with him. Adherence to the principles laid down in the document would set the stage for a true parliamentary democracy to take root and flourish, eliminating the scope of military takeovers in the future. Since reconciliation between the PPP and the PML(N), Pakistan's two main parties, which have just passed through a bitter phase of confrontation, could pave the way for political stability, efforts to bring home to the two sides to let bygones be bygones and make a fresh start of mutual accommodation are the need of the hour. The uncertainty that has marred the political scene in the past two years has badly impacted the economy and hindered attempts at dealing with the scourge of terrorism. The major casualty has been the people of the country. Balochistan Chief Minister Aslam Raisani, who met Mian Nawaz and some other leaders, told the media afterwards that the people would soon hear the good news of the end of Governor's Rule in Punjab. He is reported to have assured the PML(N) that he would convey to President Zardari its leader's consent to initiate dialogue under certain conditions. One would have wished that President Zardari had realised the crucial importance of the Charter for the removal of distrust with which the PML(N) regards the present PPP leadership. Instead, he has gone ahead with the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner. The idea is not to question the integrity of Justice (retd) Hamid Mirza, but to point out that the Charter stipulates consultations between these parties before the appointment is made. Going against this factor at this critical juncture hardly gives comfort to those wishing for an end to differences. President Zardari should know that his standing, not only with the people but also with the US and the rest of the world, has markedly suffered as a result of the lawyers' movement. Unlike Mr Bush, the Obama Administration seems particularly sensitive to the public sentiment and unless he comes half-way to make up with a major political force like the PML(N), he would fail to strengthen democracy. The end of Governor's rule and undoing the disqualification orders are integral elements of the much-needed reconciliation. It's time Governor Salman Taseer stopped harping on the same tune.