Democracy: A System of Government in Pakistan Essay
As Abraham Lincoln says about democracy,
“Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
Democracy is a political set up by the consent of the voters. In other words the ultimate power lies in the consent of people who elect their representatives for governance. It is the wrong conception that democracy is a western phenomenon but we find that Islam gives us the true explanation. The Holy Quran describes to hold mutual consultation and then take a final decision.
At present democracy is greatly accepted by the people all over the world. The economic and social aspects of democracy mean that each and every citizen is made to live a good and meaningful life. Democracy means bridging the gap between rich and poor and eradicating the social, ethnic, racial and sectarian differences, among the people.
“Democracy is based upon the conviction that there are extraordinary possibilities in the ordinary people.”
Democracy is a great institution and it is practiced in the most countries of the world in two ways: One is Parliamentary and the second is the Presidential. British people formulated Magna Carta which paved the way to democracy. Currently, India is the largest Parliamentary and America is the largest Presidential democracy in the world. Pakistan is also one of the largest democracies in the world, and has completed 67 years of its existence. During the last 67 years military has intervened in the political system of Pakistan. The fault does not lie with army only, but it lies in our political and governmental set up.
“All the ills of democracy can be cured by more democracy.”
(Alfred E Smith, Speech 1933)
Democracy has been facing many hindrances in Pakistan. Lack of a true constitution in early years of Pakistan was a major cause of weak democracy. This gives reasons to Military to intervene and to upset the political system. Due to these issues, elections have been delayed several time. Social, ethnic, moral, sectarian and provincial differences halt the continuity of true Democracy.
Man has conquered time and space, but the Pakistanis, are still hovering in the labyrinths of old traditions and out-worn customs. Cast and ‘bradry’ system has blinded them and they are not able to see the larger interests of the country. They are not able to realize the sanctity of their vote. The use of money, muscle power and influence of establishment has been a threat to democracy.
“I believe in democracy because it realises the energies of every human being.”
(Woodrow Wilson)
There is an urgent need of wide and fundamental electoral reforms.
Firstly, there is a need to strengthen our local body election system.
Secondly, Election Commission should be made autonomous and vested with more statutory powers to curb the mentioned evils.
Thirdly, there is a need to check transparency in election funding and expenditures of the candidates.
Fourthly, often the party in power misuses electronic media for its electioneering purpose. For holding free and fair elections, media should be impartial. Similarly, there is need to educate the people. Their awareness about their basic rights is a soul for true democracy.
To conclude, democracy cannot exist in a country ridden with social and political injustice. For the effective and successful running of democracy a fair degree of education or literacy among the citizens is inevitable.
“The spirits of just men made perfect.”
(Hebrews XII)
