DEMOCRACY

DEMOCRACY

OUTLINES:

- Introduction - Importance of democracy - Historical Overview - Why democracy is flop in Pakistan - Remedial measures -Conclusion

INTRODUCTION: Democracy is the most essential and fundamental element for managing the affairs of society systematically. Democracy and participatory governance are popular political patterns in the modern world. In a broader sense democracy encompasses the leading features; fair and free election process, supremacy of the constitution, the rule of law, and freedom for the people. In other words democratic state must practice the principles of equal citizenship irrespective of religion, caste, ethnicity and regional background. It must also ensure equality of opportunity to all for advancement in social, political and economic domains and guarantee security of life and property to its citizens.

IMPORTANCE OF DEMOCRACY: It is fact that democracy is the major constituent for social, political and economic development. It is considered as the backbone of the system, without which an effective running of system is impossible. The crucial importance of democracy can be observed by the experience of East Asian countries. Between 1965 and 1990, several countries of this region registered the highest growth rate and proved it with high living standards. The most important factors behind this economic miracle are good governance. It is not that Swiss and Swedes are inherently blessed with greater honesty and integrity than Pakistanis. But actually difference lies in the institutions, laws and work procedures.

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW Pakistan, like India, adopted the Government of India Act, 1935 as the Interim Constitution, 1947 to meet the immediate requirements of an independent state. It provided parliamentary form of government, although the Governor General enjoyed special powers and the federal government exercised some overriding powers over provinces. Pakistan's early rulers did not pay especial attention to democratization otthe political system because their major concern was how to ensure the survival of the state in view of internal and external challenges. The fear of the collapse of the state encouraged authoritarian style of governance. Pakistan had faced serious administrative and management problems during the partition process. These problems were the division of civil and .military assets of the British government between India and Pakistan, communal riots, the migration of people to and from Pakistan, and the troubled relations with India, including the first war on Kashmir, 1947-48. In this critical situation when Pakistan was facing initial administrative and humanitarian difficulties, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the father of the nation, died on September 11, 1948, thirteen months

after the establishment of Pakistan. The separation of Quaid within a short span of time undermined the already weak political institutions and fragmented the political setup. Most of the post-Jinnah political leaders had no nationwide fame and appeal to reorganize the massive crowd again as a result regional politics within the state flourished. This critical situation, made it difficult for the political parties and leaders to pursue a coherent approach and gather under one leadership. They were unable to develop consensus on single point, meanwhile the assassination of Liaqat Ali khan shocked the entire democratic system. Though Liaqat Ali Khan laid the foundation of the constitution by introducing objective resolution but several years later constitution of Pakistan was introduced (March 23, 1956) which even could not get popular support of all major parties, leaders and regions. By the time the constitution was introduced a strong tradition of violation started, the political parties were divided and the assembly was unable to assert its primacy. In this situation power was shifted to the Governor General/President Iskander Mirza, who had military background. Iskander Mirza took support of top bureaucracy and the military. This contributed to the rise of the bureaucratic-military elites in Pakistani politics which further suppressed future of democracy.

WHY DEMOCRACY IS FLOP IN PAKISTAN:

Army Interference: Since the establishment of Pakistan Army has always had a strong desire to have a permanent place in the political setup of country. The four military regimes are the proof of this. The first Martial Law was imposed by Ayub Khan in 1958 and lasted till 1969. He abrogated the constitution of 1956. He also introduced presidential system with indirect elections. In April 1969, General Yahya imposed second Martial Law and lasted till 1971. He had abrogated the constitution of 1962, banned all political activities and dissolved National and Provincial assemblies. Again Martial Law intervened in 1977 and the popular leader elected by the common people through dubious elections was hanged. Zia's Martial regime was supposed to be the shortest one but it turned out to be the longest in the history of Pakistan. Zia did not abrogate the constitution of 1973 but suspended. He also passed his famous 8thamendment to restrict the power of head of government through article 58 2(b) and provided significant powers to the president who could dissolve National Assembly whenever he think that need has arisen. In 1999, again military intervened in political setup led by General Musharraf. The Army was yet again in power promising of smooth transfer of power to grass root level within three years.

Corruption and nepotism: It is fact that democratic governments in Pakistan have been witnessed of corruption, mal-administration, and

nepotism. The people reluctantly visit public institutions because they know that without any favor or bribe it is very difficult to get any work done from the public officers. Moreover, due to malpractices of the public official and misappropriation of public fund the infrastructure of public institutions has been cracked and a situation like chaos is prevailing all over the country. In 1990 the government of PPP was dissolved due to corruption charges set against Benazir Bhutto by the President of that time. The next government of Nawaz sharif was also dismissed in 1993 by Ghulam Ishaq khan on plea of corruption and nepotism. Again elections were held in 1993 and Benazir became PM but this government was also dissolved on corruption charges in 1996.

Royal style of politics: All the governments after Junejo were characterized by the royal style of the Prime Minister that was true in case of Benazir and Nawaz Sharif because of their extravagant style of living i.e. Raiwind palaces and Surrey palace respectively.

Authoritarian style of politicians: All the previous heads of governments both civilian and military and also the politicians exercised absolutism in style and mentality. They did not realize their foremost duty was to serve the people not just to misrule them. Politicians during the last 50 years have not shown responsible attitude.

Abuse of powers: People elect the PM, his cabinet and the members of assemblies through ballot. But it has often happened that an indirectly elected president comes and dismisses the government. This is highly undemocratic, unconstitutional" and it has been happening in our political history due to the 8th amendment passed by the Zia regime. Zia dismissed Junejo government and Ghulam Ishaq dissolved Benazir and Nawaz Shari governments respectively. This is the main reason that has wrecked the entire setup of politics.

Lack of accountability: Our constitution does not provide an effective system of check and balance. That is why every elected civilian government becomes omnipotent and powerful which give rise to corruption and mal-administration. There is no effective system of governance which can keep proper check on the decisions and the steps taken by PM and his cabinet. Judiciary must be made strong enough to keep a strong check over these important matters.

Lack of continuity: In Pakistan except Bhutto's government, no government has completed its expected life span. After Junejo, many governments were disbanded in the period of nine years. This game of power musical chair has seriously affected the economic and social progress of our country.

REMEDIAL MEASURES:

-The honest and competent people should be elected form the grass root to the highest level through fair and transparent democratic process.

-Direct system of election must be introduced and governments must be allowed to complete their tenure.

-In order to attain the quality of good governance, senior high officials, think tanks and previous failed rulers must ask for participation in decision making and execution of policies through a democratic consultative process.

-For good governance the role of army in the political setup of the country must be discouraged and constitution must clearly define the areas of operation of all institutions of the state like army, bureaucracy and the government.

-Independence of judiciary must be maintained which can exercise an effective system of check and balance on each and every institution and prevent politicians from abuse of power.

-People must be educated without which they can not protect their rights. Education creates confidence which empower people to defend their social, political and economic rights.

-Media should also playa positive role in creating awareness among people regarding their problems and their solutions. In this way people will be able to demand their rights and will perform their duties and responsibilities in a more organized way.

-In order to develop an effective system of governance participation of women should be encouraged as according to latest count, women ratio is .48:52 respectively.

Conclusion: This is the high time that consensus must be developed among the people of Pakistan that what system of government can suit them better. Keeping in view the pluralistic society of Pakistan, federal government can serve people in a better way through giving sufficient powers to the provinces in order t 0tackle problems of ordinary citizen effectively. Direct system of election must be introduced and governments must be allowed to complete their tenure.