Nepotism and Politics in the Subcontinent

Society Pakistan & World Affairs
1

Democracy’s a fine concept in principle, but it’s a bit disappointing to find that family and clan considerations stiull play such a big role in elections in that part of the world. Recently we have had Nawaz Sharif’s brother coming forward to stand in place of his brother, the doltish Nawaz. Then we hear that Benazir’s sister is to take up the mantle if she isn’t allowed to resume the PPP mantle.

It’s not just in Pakistan either. The Gandhi dynasty trundles on in India, their reign only broken by a party which appealed to outright Hindu chauvinism. Maybe it’s time merit counted rather than family connections if political parties in Pakistan and India want to be taken seriously?

2

...and then some families have a tendency to produce talent in the political sphere. If their appeal to the masses stems from talent and they also happen to be from a certain family, that would seem to be valid. This may also occurin the military, too. Of course, heredity does not always guarantee excellence, through and through. I write this as an American who believes in the American theory of separation from the excesses of Europe and it's aristocracy. The main point is to recognize when talent does in fact require recognition.