At a crossroads, again

Source: The News

Date: 17-10-2010

Democracy is facing serious threats from undemocratic forces

By Salman Abid

Is democracy under threat in our part of the world? The answer is yes because democracy in Pakistan has always strived and lived in a transitional period. Unfortunately, it remains weak after all these 63 years. The undemocratic forces and so-called non-state actors play an active role against democratic institutions of country.

Strong democracy results from continuation of the political process. Our story is totally different. The President, Prime Minister and other government spokesmen have denied any challenge or threat against the present democratic set-up. They claim that all politicians and political forces are united against non-democratic forces trying to destabilise democracy or the present government.

The assurance from President Zardari came many a times. He said that he, along with his party fellows, will defeat all non democratic forces, including militancy with the support of people. He admitted that the real threat to democracy is from militant forces.

The question of the present government and its legitimacy is being discussed and questioned among different sections of society. Government allies like the MQM has on one occasion invited military as "patriotic generals" to play a pro-active role for the larger 'interest' of the nation. He claimed patriotic generals would clean the system of corrupt politicians and feudals and bring in a transparent political system.

The government recently passed resolution in the National Assembly in favour of sustaining democratic institutions and any illegal action against the parliament and elected government. The government also took assurance from the Army Chief with regard to the sustainability of democracy in the country. The question is if there is no threat to democracy, as claimed by the leaders, why they are so conscious about that?

Some political circles are seriously talking about political change in the country and remove or wrap up the present political set-up. People are talking about the idea of a national government, based on different political groups or technocrats and professional groups. One section of society believes only military leadership in the country can resolve our present problems.

We should admit that both internal and external factors are behind the weak democratic system in country. This is because the political party's internal structures are weak. Major decisions are taken by non democratic forces not the elected political government. Democracy cannot flourish in a speedy way; it's just a process and takes some time. But people refuse to show patience and want change in a very short period of time.

Unfortunately, our civilian leaders are also responsible for raising people's expectations and making big political commitments after coming in power. The civilian leadership also trusts state forces instead of the masses. Some of them believe that powers come through the establishment forces, not from the common man and their votes.

No doubt, non democratic forces are the major factor but we cannot ignore the internal threat within the political parties, their leadership and their governance. There are some sections in our society that indirectly support non democratic actors and want change through illegal actions. Their support and manipulation not only supports illegal actions but also pave way for back door politics. Democracy cannot survive in isolation. It is always linked with people's expectations and their need, especially the poor and marginalised groups.

The common notion is that if a government fails due to bad governance, it is assumed that democracy has also failed in the country. This is wrong. Some people cannot differentiate between failure of a government and the failure of a system. Nawaz Sharif once rightly pointed out that failure of the government does not mean that democracy has failed in the country. When people criticise and say that the present government and democracy have failed; it means we are talking about a different system.

The only way to democracy is through continuation of the political process, with elections taking place on regular intervals. If the elected people want change, they should use their right and change the government through the vote of no confidence, and not through extra-constitutional actions. But, sadly, the nation has already had bad experiences in the past when no confidence motion created more corruption in politics, but that is another debate.

In the past, every effort either from military or civilian people failed in the country to bring positive changes for the people. Some people are expecting to bring about a change through judiciary but judiciary itself is facing criticism from some quarters.

We should realise that only democracy can save Pakistan; only if we allow the democratic forces to play a free and fair game in country politics. We all know that illegal actions against democracy can stop the political process in the country. Without political process no positive change can be brought in the democratic practices.

All this is not new; we have been oscillating between democratic and undemocratic forces. In the present circumstances, democracy is facing serious threats from undemocratic forces.

After the February elections President Zardari and Nawaz Sharif had agreed on a democratic set-up and resisted any illegal actions against the derailing of nascent democracy in the country. Later, political grievances resurfaced and both showed mistrust in each other. Al, this at a time when the society is facing serious challenges like terrorism, poor governance, inflation, and clash of institutions. The only solution is democracy, more of it. The pro democratic forces should be aware of the fact that without democratic practices and good governance with accountability, democracy cannot deliver.

Democracy does not survive only on political slogans. Some are pointing towards external factors against democracy. In order to save democracy in the country leading civil society organisations need to play a pro-active role in the form of resistance movement. If civilian leadership fails at this time, non-democratic forces will emerge and capture power once again.

The write is a political analyst and human rights campaigner. He can be reached atsalmanabidpk@gmail.com

Link: http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/oct2010-weekly/nos-17-10-2010/pol1.htm#8