Returning to democracy: How?

Society Pakistan & World Affairs
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I have always taken a positive view of Musharraf, and no doubt he has done some good things. Economic situation is better then in 1999 by all marco indicators, growth and investment are up, the middle class has grown etc. Women’s rights have an advocate in high office and private media has been allowed to expand.

But I feel he has served his purpose now. We need a return to democratic rule. I cannot morally maintain support for anti democratic forces. His prolonged hold on power has seen him become increasingly a “strong man” ruler, and this is going to harm the nations image in the long run.

Pakistan is regarded as “non free” by Freedom House, which is a tragedy for all of us. We need now for him to step down peacefully, although how that will come about it beyond me. We need ideally free and fair elections (with the provisio that proven crims in BB/NS cannot stand), between the democratic parties. We need someone who will stand up to radical Islamists in our very capital, anywhere in our nation to be frank.

President Musharraf has been a solid emergency measure from the black days of the late 1990’s, but now surely all of you can join me in wishing for a return to democracy. To paraphrase Clinton, the answer to faulty democracy is not to end democracy.

Let us again join the army of the free nations of this Earth, and return our military to its barracks. We thank you for your services in a hour of need, but now you are stunting the growth of democratic institutions.

The only time the army should intervene is to stop collapse, and in a respected democratic set up, that doesnt occur.

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Re: Returning to democracy: How?

I also feel the same.

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Re: Returning to democracy: How?

The question is how can the people affect a change in the situation. Is Musharraf likely to give up his seat if public demands ask for it, or will he hang on to it come hell or high water.

He's done his job. Now let us have freedom.

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Re: Returning to democracy: How?

Its YOU who thinks that Musharraf is done with, he himself doesn't think that way so why would he quit? When a dictator is supported he becomes king, like Saddam. Army's job is in barracks, they should NEVER come to civilian control, now they know to enjoy the controlling of civlians (and its monetary perks).

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Re: Returning to democracy: How?

I think its pretty clear that in recent times Musharraf has become more like a typical dictator, and less like the man who took office, liberalized the press (fleetingly), privatized industry and fostered growth.

I agree wholly that the army should stay in the baracks, but the issue now is how do we return them to that enclosure, not whether or not they enjoy the perks of office-everyone clearly does.

I am not for BB/NS, but surely we need a new generation of democratic politicians who will respect the constitution.

My only question would arise if popular mandate brought Islamists into power. I have faith that the common Pakistani is not that much of an idiot, but we all live and learn. My love for liberal democracy should force me to oppose Islamists who would by there nature curtail freedoms, but that is a paradox I'll deal with if it ever arises.

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Re: Returning to democracy: How?


Why shove some ideology on people? Why not have 'elections' fairly, if Islamists win then Islamists won. We should have a check-n-balance like if parliament wants to change constitution then certain parts cannot be modified, certain parts can be modified with approval of additional parties etc. Ban previous known bad rulers like BB and NS by adding provision in constitution like US i.e. no president can rule more than 2 times.

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Re: Returning to democracy: How?

I totally agree with your entire view legbreak,

however, the only problem comes up with;

Free and fair elections> ground reality being that its not the Army and Mush alone to look after that, the non-Army political forces are, have been and will still remain highly irresponsible in the near and distant future.

Letting the people decide> Can they really decide with a rational choice? Do they have a rational choice?

BB, NS and other democratic monarchs> Have they been eliminated from Pakistani politics? Can they be eliminated from Pakistani politics? By who and how?

With no encouraging scenarios on these fronts, I always find it better to stick with the emergency solution a bit longer, till we have better answers for the above concerns atleast.

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Re: Returning to democracy: How?

HZ,

I understand your concerns, I share your concerns. But backing away from tough decisions only weakens the democratic fabric of a society. Now it has been Pakistan's misfortune that (a) its elected leaders have been corrupt and (b) its Generals have developed a taste for power. I do not doubt that initially the Army saw itself as a last resort, but now it seems to regard itself as a legitimate political party.

Of your 3 concerns, a solution to (1) would be to have external monitors. The EU perhaps, or even the US. Someone to verify that so far as is possible, these have been free and fair elections. I understand this is hard in a nation where 45% of people cannot read, but India has shown that widespread illiteracy need not be a block to democratic politics.

On (2), Captain suggested we adopt the US model. No one can hold office for more then 2 terms. It's a fair provisio, and seems a fix.

Now on your final point, it seems you share my fear about the rationality of the Pakistani population. Now I espoused fear of Islamists gaining power and turning back the situation in Pakistan (which is still far from ideal in terms of freedom, women's rights etc) by centuries with there outdated fairy tales. Cap1 seems to suggest that if that's the choice, let it be.

Now in terms of ideals, he's right....if you win a popular mandate, you establish the government. But just as Hitler won elections to come into power, and then set about dismantling the machinary of state, I fear our religious idiots would undertake a similar move. Sharia-rizing the political system and confining all but the most zealous of people into a cave-man like situation.

You are free to make your own call, but I am sure you agree that for democracy to survive, balances against rabid Islamism are required.

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Re: Returning to democracy: How?

I am very sure that if true elections are held and education level is properly enforced lots of mullahs will be ousted, only JI will probably prevail amongst them. As for how far those mullahs will be able to go, those changes can be put under the constitution which parliament-alone cannot change, would require confidence of separate institution (comprising of non-governement elements).

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Re: Returning to democracy: How?

But given the current education levels, and the ability of the Mullahs to manipulate the masses, a free and fair election soonish (within 18 months for instance) would run a serious risk of enpowering the mullahs further. Now the MMA gained about 13% of the popular vote in 2002(?), we could not risk the religious right getting 25-30%, although so far in our (limited) electoral history the 2 main parties have stopped an Islamist surge.

I read that the age group 15-24 has a literacy rate of 70% (I hope its true), it gives us hope that in time the influence of such zealots can be reduced. There is an undeniable correlation with education and lessening of faith based influence.

The question then arises, do you trust mullahs to obey the constitution? I dont.

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Re: Returning to democracy: How?

Slowly extircating the military from the government step by step... And then, strengthing the institutions so that Army is no longer the only functioning institution in the country..
Thus an independant judiciary is of utmost importance... To prevent future would be dictators from getting a rubber stamp, and thus not allowing the military to legitimizse its rule.

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Re: Returning to democracy: How?

We always have army to take-over if they don't obey the constitution :D

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Re: Returning to democracy: How?

Remember, Musharraf is playing/played all his cards to gain as much support from the sponsors of anti-terrorism fight.

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Re: Returning to democracy: How?

^^ :hehe:

But we are trying to get to a situation where that is not needed/possible.

PP,

How would one go about demilitarizing the govt step by step?

Agree on the independent judiciary. For democracy’s sake then, are we to hope for a outcome to the SC saga favouring the CJ?

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Re: Returning to democracy: How?

I wouldn't support the outcome favoring the CJ if NAB charges against him are correct. I would support NAB gaining more powers just like I support independent judiciary.

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Re: Returning to democracy: How?

Of course, accountability is the bedrock of democratic development. I think Pakistan needs a people's movement, led by the youth. College students, professionals to oust the Islamists element and return the Army to barracks. A democracy formed by the post able, the educated.

I trust the Middle Class is largely moderate/secular.

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Re: Returning to democracy: How?

I am 100% with Legbreakgoogly on this one. Yes some of our military rulers have been better than civilian politicians. Yes Musharraf has done some good things for our country but it's about time he handed over power to the elected civilian representatives and let democracy flourish in our country. Maybe there should be a clause in our constitution whereby a COAS is duty bound to hold fresh elections within 3-6 months in the event of a military take over (which given our corrupt political system is perhaps sometimes necessary)

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Re: Returning to democracy: How?

One question gentleman..and btw I agree with most fo what is being said here. i.e. real democracy is needed, military should be in barracks, Musharraf has made an impact but needs to let democracy establish itself in Pakistan etc etc.

what confuses me is that what sort of grassroots movements started in public or in political parties to change the status quo of how democracy was/would be in Pakistan.

I mean for the life of me, I dont see the leadership of political parties changing. I dont see much hue ad cry in press about how political parties are stuck in their ways, or questioning their plans.

In other countries you see press go after the political parties and their views, plans, stances, .. in Pakistan it seems a topic that is just simply not covered much.

and for the awaam who want democracy, how involved are they, do they get involved in the political party of their choice and try to bring about the changes that they see fit?

I dont see any of that but then I am too far removed from political parties in pakistan.

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^^

I have called for a people's movement to bring democracy from the grass roots. Are the Pakistani people that disillusioned with politics that they have given up hope?

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Re: Returning to democracy: How?

Nice idea. I like it. Make a constitutional amendment outlining the procedures in case of a coup! Only issue now would be to make the General's take notice.

Is there anything that we can do in the west to assit the democratic development of Pakistan?