Daily Times

Democracy is more than conducting elections and the observance of democratic institutions. To ensure that democratic values are adequately expressed in the political system, those in charge of managing democratic institutions and procedures must internalize its principles and norms and must be exerted to us spiritedly.

Examining the character and behaviour of the main actors, i.e., political parties and leaders, is one way to assess the effectiveness of democracy. how much they have practised and internalised democratic principles and values when handling societal and political issues. Therefore, the political language and discourse of political leaders must represent democratic values of respect for one another, decency, and consideration of opposing points of view. Instead of escalating into personal or collective hostility, the differences are reconciled via communication and compromise. In November 1947, Churchill spoke in the House of Commons, “It has been argued that representative government is the evilest kind of governance, barring all those other kinds that have occasionally been attempted. A noble kind of government is democracy. But traditionally, its application has been prone to errors. As a result, the acceptance of democracy must be accompanied by precautions against its proneness to abuse and tyranny. The Peloponnesian Wars were sparked by populism in ancient Greece, the birthplace of democracy. Many of the endless battles of the Empire of Rome were undertaken to slake the desire for the glory of its populace.

British capitalism did not spread throughout its vast empire until virtually the very end. The “mother of parliaments” steadfastly fought for basic rights for humans and colonial self-determination until the monarchy was on the verge of disintegrating.

The “mother of parliaments” steadfastly fought for basic rights for humans and colonial self-determination until the monarchy was on the verge of disintegrating.

How “free” is the “ordinary” Pakistani voter to select competent and truthful representatives? The phrase “all men are created equal” appeared in the US Constitution’s Declaration of Independence. However, this was missing the African slaves that the authors of the Bill of Rights and that statement owned. Democracy also failed to shield the Native Americans from perhaps the most extensive genocide ever committed.

The democratic process was adopted to elect Hitler and Mussolini, but it was then abandoned, in favour of Authoritarianism and Fascism. The economic downturn and the surge of African and Arab refugees have revived the ghosts of fascism and bigotry in Europe today. Neo-fascists who have won elections are currently in power in Italy, Austria, and Hungary. They are also becoming more popular in Germany, Holland, and Scandinavia. An ill-advised referendum called by ignorant chauvinists resulted in the disastrous Brexit of the UK.

Donald Trump won the election of Middle (as well as Ignorant) America on the platform of “making America wonderful (and white) again.” Along with a capricious and hasty foreign policy, his trade protectionism and anti-immigration measures pose a threat to another recession and the foundations of international cooperation.

The electoral success of Narendra Modi and the BJP in India, which was fueled by a cunning electoral apparatus that used false promises of growth along with an appeal to the basic emotions of national chauvinism and religious intolerance, is a stark example of the risks of populist democracies. To ensure Modi’s reelection the next year, the anti-Muslim issue is expected to be played once more, this time, especially against Pakistan’s backing for the independence struggle in India-held Kashmir. Thus, the functioning of the “largest democracy” in the world has resulted in the risk of another India-Pakistan conflict.

Pakistan’s inconsistent support for democracy has led to repeated calls to “name and shame” the country. It is untrue to argue about the advantages of democratic vs military rule. Democracies are better. Correcting the serious deficiencies in Pakistan’s democratic system and governance is necessary to prevent the recurring domestic crises that have historically led to military involvement.

The “plain, humble, common man” is the “foundation of democracy,” according to Churchill, and it is crucial “to this foundation” that such a man or woman should be competent to choose his or her appointed representation “without fear, and free of any form of harassment or victimization.”

How ‘free’ is the ‘ordinary’ Pakistani voter to select competent and truthful representatives? It is good knowledge that tribal allegiances and feudal lords control voting in Pakistan’s rural areas. Almost by definition, “delectables” are anti-democratic. In many electoral districts, votes are either purchased with money or other advantages or compelled with threats of bodily injury or financial loss. Voters who are poor and ignorant are influenced by false promises.

Pakistan’s conservative electorate is swayed by religious and divisive sectarian sentiments. According to allegations, the majority of political parties accept foreign funding intended to persuade election outcomes and their platforms. Additionally, some media outlets are now susceptible to financial pressure. And, regrettably, some of the so-called “champions of democracy,” including NGOs and civil society, receive at least some of their funding from outside sources.

Beyond the ballot box, democracy cannot function in a setting where flagrant power abuse and endemic corruption are tolerated. The credibility of democratic governance depends on transparency, conformity to the law, and checks and balances on the legislative, executive and judicial divisions of government. Unfortunately, Pakistan has few institutionalized systems in place to guarantee these conditions. Even as many as military dictators, elected premiers and presidents have frequently abused their authority once in office to obtain status and wealth for themselves as well as their family members and associates.

The top parliamentarians have themselves limited the oversight powers of the legislature, not by the referred to as establishment. The legal system is complicated and has frequently been open to fraud and corruption. As noted in the past, when the judiciary showed independence on occasion, it was expelled or, literally, “taken over.” The cumulative excesses of the past “decade of democracy” have severely harmed Pakistan’s economic prospects, as evidenced by the rupee’s current wild fall, sluggish exports, frozen investment, and shrinking foreign exchange reserves.

There will inevitably be another IMF bailout. But unless the fundamental issues of raising enough money, cutting wasteful spending, and attracting foreign as well as local investment are resolved, it won’t offer long-term relief. The country’s ability to deal with the threats that come from an antagonistic India, a chaotic Afghanistan, and a hostile America has diminished because of economic fragility.

The legitimacy of the anticipated elections is in jeopardy due to both foreign-instigated terrorism and a political and media onslaught run by those involved in the slow and unequal process of accountability. It’s uncertain whether there will be an orderly vote and whether the new government will be formed quickly. The conduct of the elections fairly and peacefully with universal acceptance of the results would be in the best interests of the country.

Pakistani democracy can be improved, but only if the senior political figures in all main parties are willing to change their attitude. They need to make their political parties self-sustaining political machinery with internal democracy by working to implement democratic norms in the management of daily politics. Professionalism and experience need to take the place of the sycophantic culture. The top executives must be present at the assembly meetings more frequently. They must ensure that the members participate in the meetings, attend them consistently, and uphold proper behaviour both within and outside the home. The earlier they start such a process, the better. To promote a peaceful transition, manage the economic crisis, stop Indian aggression, support the establishment of peace in Afghanistan, and reestablish constructive relations with the US, the new administration will have to take on significant and immediate tasks. Additionally, it must assure good governance, provide institutionalized checks against the misusing of power, and address Pakistan’s democracy’s apparent flaws.

The writer is a freelance columnist.