The elections in Pakistan have brewed up many sentiments. Some people are happy, some are sad and some are angry. I see on the social media a string of slurs against others in the form of comments like “this is a nation of poor and greedy people who sell their vote on one plate of biryani” or lashing at one sector as the “burger class”. I am hopeful that the emotions will calm down soon and the focus will be on a substantive development agenda for Pakistan.
More focused on the political process and strengthening of our democracy, I have been more of a staunch supporter of certain social issues and have taken very strong stands, as a citizen, for the sovereignty and supremacy of the Parliament. Although it was pretty painful to be stuck in DC and not being able to vote, my struggle for several years has been on promoting politics and eliminating the demonization of all politicians.
So as a student of democracy I have made a list of seven points for our voting citizens of all kinds. Friends are welcome to add more points to it.
SEVEN LESSONS FOR PROMOTING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM
1) Democracy does not mean that if it doesn’t produce the results I WANT it is not a democracy. We can have our voice, but not necessarily control over the collective outcome.
2) If you support one party don’t think you are the only one who loves your country. Others can have exactly the same feelings.
3) Democratic systems have a certain conflict inherent in it. Competition and the tension resulting from it is a part of democratic process. However, it has to be balanced by consensus building and legitimization of the larger framework by the citizens. Any imbalance in this process can derail a democracy.
4) Democracy is not as efficient as an authoritarian government, therefore one has to be patient and mull through the mess if we do not want to revert to a dictatorship. There are no short cuts to democratic decision making.
5) The electoral system will evolve. We have come a long way. Voting lists are now computerized. Results are more transparent so as to bring out the anomalies and get them aired by mainstream media and resolved by the ECP. These are good signs. If we keep up the pressure, the process will continue to change for the better. Incremental improvements should be acknowledged.
6) Skepticism and accountability for those in power is necessary to strengthen the system. However, too much of it takes away the legitimacy of the democratic institutions and inculcates destabilization. A balance is necessary. (This point is also very relevant for the citizens linked with mainstream and social media)
7) Democracies that gradually become more consolidated and strengthened are characterized by a collective mindset where the right of other parties to run and voters to vote for them is legitimized. You cannot argue that if you do not vote for my party we might as well have a dictatorship. The larger sense of legitimacy and respect for other parties, politicians and voters has to prevail.
To repeat point #3: Competition and conflict is inherent in democracy, but it is the right to compete that ensure the legitimacy of the system, and this, above, must be respected.
fouzia in America 