It’s finally over. Yusuf Raza Gilani has won the race for the Prime Minister’s seat, and if all goes as predicted, will be sworn in on the 24th of March.

But its not going to be smooth sailing ahead for the new government. The country is facing economic and judicial crises, which will not be resolved in a day. Even if the Parliament restores the deposed judges back to the pre-November 3rd position, the judiciary will enter into a battle with the Presidency. More worrying than anything else though is the question: will President Musharraf take a backseat from running this country with an iron fist and let the newly elected Parliament rule instead?

On the other hand, the economic crisis is threatening to plunge the country into chaos. There is massive loadshedding, and fuel costs have gone through the roof after the raise in the global oil prices. Pakistan’s debts have also gone increased at an alarming rate, and with suicide bombings now a matter of routine, foreign investment in the country is dwindling down to a trickle.

Despite the rosy promises made by PPP, PML-N and the ANP, it is not going to be an easy task to steer the country out of this storm. And what perhaps is more worrying is that the masses will want instant relief, which unfortunately for them and the new government, cannot take place overnight. One must remember that if it had not been for the flour shortage crisis, the PML-Q would have been in power. Similar crises can and perhaps will shake the foundations of the next government. It is in times like these that the new government must remember that the country may forgive you your massive corruption and kickback scandals, but it will not forgive you for depriving them access to the basics of life: justice, food, clothing and shelter.