http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2012\07\16\story_16-7-2012_pg3_6
Monday, July 16, 2012
COMMENT : What democracy? — Fateh Ullah Khan Kundi
Democracy needs a disciplined election system, free of loopholes and
corruption. It demands sincerity and honesty from the very lowest to the very
highest level
Intellectuals are cursing democracy in the wake of the complete failure of our
successive governments in providing any mentionable facilitation to the common
populace on any front. Each of the governments that was sent into the corridors
of power by their own ballot, not to mention the dictatorial regimes where
people were left to suffer, has disappointed people.
A change was inevitable, a paradigm shift was due and people were ready for it
but our establishment very cleverly shifted it to a titular change and labeled
it as ‘tsunami’, a movement whose leaders hail from the same feudal elite class
from which the nation would get nothing. The establishment will still rule us,
and people will never be left alone to see for themselves what democracy stands
for in actuality.
In fact we have never been left to establish and enjoy the fruits of genuine
democracy in our country nor would we be allowed to in the near future. A
democracy in its real essence has never taken root here.
What does democracy stand for? The changing face of democracy in the last 200
years has made it difficult to arrive at a universally acceptable definition.
Various countries brandish their own form of democracy and consider it the
best. Basically, it means a government by the consent of the people and
executed by the representatives of the people. According to George Bernard
Shaw, democracy is a device that insures we shall be governed no better than we
deserve. Democracy is a form of government in which supremacy of power is
vested in the people or the electorate collectively and it is administered by
them or the representatives elected by them. According to Chambers dictionary,
it also means a state of society characterised by recognition of equality of
rights and privileges, political, social and legal equality. The most accepted
definition of democracy is by Abraham Lincoln, which states it is ‘government
of the people, for the people and by the people’.
The word democracy is derived from two Greek words ‘demos’, meaning people, and
‘kratein’, meaning to rule. The Greeks were the authors of most of the things
democracy is associated with today. They were the first to think and realise
the importance of freedom.
Liberty, equality and fraternity are the foundations of a modern democratic
political creed. Irrespective of religious belief, clime and country, democracy
has become a watchword and accepted political philosophy in the free world as
opposed to dictatorship and despotic rule.
Democracy demands certain things without which it is unable to perform. First,
it needs a constitution that assures the rights of the people irrespective of
class, creed, influence and power. Unfortunately, the constitution we have has
been subjected to amendment by successive governments, both military and
elected. Each among them played with, modified and reshaped the constitution
according to their own needs and requirements. The bill passed by the National
Assembly regarding permission to participate in elections to those carrying
dual nationality is controversial. Unlike dictatorship where power is vested in
one hand, democracy requires an empowered people who have the right to question
government at any step at any time.
In our country, parliament has always been made a scapegoat. Just recently, the
way the NATO supply lines were restored in total contradiction to the
recommendations that were passed unanimously by parliament has badly belittled
its role in the eyes of many.
Democracy needs a disciplined election system, free of loopholes and
corruption. It demands sincerity and honesty from the very lowest to the very
highest level. Ideally, the electorate honestly chooses their representatives
on sound grounds of ability. The whole process of elections involves giving the
right to rule to only those deserving it. A well-organised party system is one
of the basic components of democracy. Parties having full knowledge of the
political system, knowing their duties and rights of the people and showing
tolerance towards each other are needed.
We are lacking on both fronts. The election system we have has been turned into
one of the most corrupt systems the world has ever had. Today, a man without
millions as bank balance cannot even think of participating in elections. Here
a considerable ratio of ballots can be purchased with only Rs 500 per vote.
The party system we carry is the worst. Each party leader is a monarch in his
own way. They are in power since decades and would abdicate in the honour of
only their own offspring, despite the fact there are many in the party who
deserve the position on merit. Democracy can work only in the presence of a
conscientious legislature that has the power to make laws. This body plays the
role of a backbone in a government. All the people involved in it have to be
honest towards their country and people. They are responsible for forming a
suitable and efficient system of government meeting the demands of the public
and safeguarding the national interests. Education for all is an essential
prerequisite of democracy because it gives people a greater foresight and helps
them to develop a scientific attitude of mind, which steers clear of an
emotional approach to life.
The fundamental lack on many fronts --the strengthening of which is compulsory
for a genuine democracy to develop — make us unable to develop a conscientious
legislature. The body we have can conduct legislation but its implementation
has never been ensured. Our politicians have never invested their interest
towards the well-being of this country; rather, they have worked for
safeguarding their own benefits.
The writer is a graduate of the UET Peshawar. He can be reached at:
[email protected]
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