Is democracy responsible for Pakistan’s turmoil

Pakistan has encountered formidable challenges in the establishment of fully functional democratic political institutions, in contrast to other South Asian countries like India and Sri Lanka.

These institutions are pivotal for a stable democracy but have been severely hampered due to frequent interferences by the establishment.

Since 1970, the country has witnessed 11 General Elections, all marred by allegations of rigging, which have contributed to undermining public trust in the democratic system.

Even prior to 1970, when primarily indirect elections were held, the establishment’s role remained decisive, resulting in frequent leadership changes through resignations and dismissals.

With over 35 years of military rule in its history, the country’s political landscape continues to favour the interests of a select few, eroding the foundations of democracy.

Unfortunately, Pakistani citizens have yet to fully realise the benefits of democracy due to its distinctive operational challenges.

Under successive regimes, a multitude of issues and circumstances have hindered the development of democratic values and norms, compromising the promised advantages to the people.

In contrast to other South Asian countries that have given the system a fair opportunity to evolve and prosper, Pakistan grapples with a host of issues that have altered the perception and acceptance of this form of governance.

Consequently, the prevailing discourse primarily revolves around questioning the efficacy of the democratic system and its potential to steer the country away from turmoil.

Improvements in human rights, the protection of civil liberties and increased political participation among citizens are often misconstrued as indulgences opposed to public demand.

There is a growing misconception that democratic transitions alone can swiftly resolve deeply entrenched, longstanding issues such as economic challenges, healthcare, education and more. This belief fails to consider the complex and multifaceted nature of these issues, leading to unrealistic expectations and disappointment.

The prevailing narrative, particularly among the educated, suggests that democracy is an unsuitable system favouring politicians who exploit the less educated masses.

Pakistan continues to experience a hybrid model of governance that has proven ineffective for its unique circumstances.

However, there have been perhaps notable moments of progress whenever the establishment has provided room for the prerequisites of. democracy to flourish, as evidenced during the mid-70s and post-2008 till 2018.

Nonetheless, considering the current state of affairs, the promise of democracy, where governance is of the people, by the people, and for the people, has yet to fully materialise. The system in which citizens elect representatives to voice their aspirations has remained severely compromised.

The confusion surrounding the discourse of democracy has been artificially manufactured.

Such confusion has also given rise to the misconception that democracy is a panacea for rapid prosperity. True de-
velopment, reflecting the aspirations of citizens, remains elusive without fulfilling the prerequisites for democracy.

Democracy is not a sacred doctrine bestowed upon humankind; rather, it is a system that facilitates the peaceful transfer of power and ensures the accountability of elected leaders to serve people’s interests.

For democracy to thrive, it requires the recognition that authority emanates from the people, who are inherently equal, regardless of their creed, race, gender or social status, enabling them to freely exercise their rights and freedoms.

However, in contrast, the citizens’ agenda continues to remain on the back burner.

Now, as the next general elections approach, with the current state of affairs, we urgently need a steady and competent democracy that can ensure political stability, guiding the country through its paramount challenges. The balance of power and its distribution formula should be scrutinised carefully, as further experimentation may yield disastrous results — something we cannot afford at this critical juncture.

It is also imperative to revisit the narrative and discourse around democracy, as it remains the only system that can deliver for Pakistan.

The writer is a researcher on parliamentary and electoral affairs. He tweets @dnananjum