Why is there a growing resentment among masses, political, social and religious parties against the ruling elite? Why are people dissatisfied with robust infrastructure development? Why is the slogan of change not alluring to public? The answer to all these questions is simple: lack of democratic norms in the country. Such norms are gradually established in society. Overall, the democratic process in the country starts from intra-political party elections, which provides an equal chance to grassroots worker for contesting and winning elections at provincial and national levels. These intra-party democratic norms inevitably trickle down as democratic effects to social and political spheres of the nation, which ultimately cultivates the democratic culture in the country. On the contrary, a lack of democratic norms within political parties promotes one or two families in the political sphere of the country, the phenomenon that is known as dynastic politics. This is the phenomenon of most third world countries where individuals are considered stronger than institutions.
Unfortunately, Pakistan has experienced dynastic politics since its independence. Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has launched its third generation of Bhutto dynasty in politics. The party in power, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), ironically carries the name of an individual — Nawaz Sharif. Frequent appearances of his daughter, Mariam Nawaz Sharif, in state level visits and delegations enforce the dynastic concept that the second generation of Sharif family is going to rule over more than 200 million Pakistanis in the next decade.
In the absence of structures and institutions, our political parties have no system to induct and encourage young entrants. Political elite systematically prevents the culture of rising within the ranks of political parties. Money and power have become the only criteria for acquiring ticket from political parties and for contesting elections. Change of political party based on the popularity graph is not difficult for the members of this political elite. Perhaps an ideological party like the Jamaat-e-Islami is an exception to this rule, but the others tend towards forming dynasties. Imran Khan’s greatest contribution to politics has been to motivate the young to get involved in politics. However, by leading his supporters to streets every time he disagrees with the government, he is inspiring them to subvert the system that he has chosen to be part of. But at least we can rest assured that he will not be handing over his party to his sons.
No one has systematically taught and guided the common man that democracy is not a system of entering into general elections after every five years. Democracy is the process of inclusion of various types of people in different capacities. It promotes the thought provoking process based on critical and innovative ideas. On the contrary, dynastic politics encourages a yes-sir culture, which weakens the tradition of innovative thinking and discourages new ideas in politics and governance. Moreover, bureaucratic professionalism also faces challenges in dynastic politics. Bureaucrats often speak what dynastic rulers wish to hear. Sometimes, the word ‘no’ creates short and long-term problems in their promotions and further appointments in top institutions, as it is unthinkable for dynastic rulers to be answered in negative, be it from a civil servant or any other member of the party.
Pakistan on August 14 celebrated its 69th Independence Day. Yet it has been unable to make a choice between dynasty and democracy. It has been proved that dynastic politics did not strengthen democratic institutions. It did not push the country for sustainable and inclusive progress. It remained reluctant in implementation of radical tax, social, political and economic reforms. Over the years it has become a mafia that only protects those who show their allegiance to their family and policies. Dynastic politics has encouraged the culture of silence in Pakistan where bureaucrats remain reluctant to speak against incumbent government’s policies. It is high time that the country made a transit towards real democracy where every political worker got an equal opportunity to become the head of that political party. If political parties are responsive to incorporation of people having different voices and ideas conflicting to existing party policies, the future of Pakistan is bright.
The writer is a researcher at the Islamabad Policy Research Institute