To develop a better democratic system, we need to learn from the examples of other countries and from some bloodless successful revolutions. Even now a process of revolutionary change is continuing in Thailand. Our basic problem starts with ‘constituency’ politics. Constituencies can be controlled by influentials through dubious means, and with a minority support thus obtained, ‘successful candidates’ pocket a share of the national power. The power to make decisions in truly national interest must only remain with those who have at least a 51 percent backing of the national electorate. Even such individuals with 51 percent or more, in other countries, seek fresh mandates by referendums on critical issues. In Switzerland, even the design of a national highway went through a referendum. This was essential because public money was to be spent on it. The head of the government must be the leader who has at least 51 percent of the vote and, therefore, the confidence of the real majority from all constituents. He should make larger democratic consultations when necessary. For the purpose of bringing democracy to the doorstep, the most significant system is that of local governments. It is presently done away with in self-interest because the MNAs and MPAs want to control the funds and the power to perpetuate themselves. Otherwise this system actually meets the needs of the people and is the basis of a true democracy. It must be revived forthwith.The province, as an administrative division on the basis of inheritance from the British Raj, is open to question. With a population touching 180 million, the division of the provinces needs immediate revision. It should be seriously considered that all 27 traditional divisions be treated as ‘provinces’ and FATA should also integrate and be treated as the province of one country. There should be no ‘B’ areas where the writ of the government is inapplicable. All of Pakistan must be one country abiding by its constitution and rule of law. All law enforcement agencies including the armed forces, police, rangers, levies, etc, should ensure internal security and defence against external or internal aggression. Since the law enforcement agencies and defence establishment have a major responsibility, therefore these must be adequately represented in major decision making on the national as well as provincial levels, particularly in matters related to security issues.The role of religion has been misinterpreted, exploited and turned into a source of division instead of unity. This needs to be reviewed and the power of religion must be used to make the nation inclusive of all and not exclusive. The Quaid’s speech on August 11, 1947 to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan should provide all the right guidelines. The participation of women also needs to be effectively ensured. A constitutional method has to be determined for membership of the Assemblies on the basis of proportional representation for general members. However, effective participation of women, experts in different fields and the diaspora must be ensured by fixing quotas. The National Assembly makes laws and must be composed of persons with experience, scholarship, as well as genuine representatives of the people. Therefore, these must be people of distinction. The political parties nominating such individuals in each category must extend full support and advice to their nominees.These are major conceptual changes that must be carried out to ensure good governance and the welfare of the people. In brief it means: a) direct election of the head of state at a minimum 51 percent electoral vote obtained; b) local body elections; c) proportional representation in the National Assembly on the basis of votes obtained; d) new provinces on the basis of all divisions, including FATA and other areas where the will of the government needs to be applicable, with no ‘B’ areas, and e) Assemblies consisting of women, public representatives, specialists and qualified members of diasporas. How to achieve all of this? Nothing can be achieved without the help of God Almighty and since the intent of all these actions is to improve the lot of His beings, His blessings can be expected. However, no blessings can be expected unless the people make every effort in all honesty. Therefore if the ‘commonsense change’ through a ‘democratic revolution’ is to successfully happen, all of us, literally all of us, have to fully contribute. This is most relevant and essential for institutions like the judiciary, the establishment, political parties, nationalistic religious groups and, very importantly, civil society. This ‘revolution’ should not be aimed at any revenge, any personal vendetta against a group, or even any particular individual. It must maintain its focus to implement its objectives for the betterment of the people and the country. The state of affairs has deteriorated to such an extent that there is no time to lose. Silence from the majority at this time is a crime. All have to contribute their time, energy, funds and influence. If everyone makes a determined and honest effort, the salvation of the nation can take place with the blessings of God Almighty.A thought-provoking article titled ‘Electoral and governance reform in Pakistan’ by S Haider Raza Mehdi (www.changeskills.com) has been in circulation. He has clearly, and with some intensity, expressed his thoughts on the urgent need for change. I quoted him partly earlier. His closing remarks are: “So I do not know what Imran Khan and Qadri sahib, and others, have up their sleeves. But one thing is for sure that if change has to come then they must create a Tahrir Square like situation and we hope it will lead to a better Pakistan.”I wonder if any one party can achieve such a result. I do not know if it needs a Tahrir Square or D Chowk. What I pray for is that the ‘change’ be bloodless. What it does need is a collective national effort. All stakeholders in Pakistan must show the will, determination, practical effort and even offer sacrifices to salvage the country.(Concluded) The writer is the former CEO Pakistan National Council of the Arts, chairman Fruit Processing Industries, chairman UNESCO Theatre Institute Pakistan and COO ICTV, USA. He is the author of Melluhas of the Indus Valley 8000 BC to 500 BC. He can be reached at naeemtahir37@gmail.com