Democracy and people

What one means to the other

Pakistan’s experiments with democracy have been strange, to say the least. In the beginning, it wasn’t long before ‘elected’ leaders disillusioned the masses, and soon long bouts with dictatorial military rule became the norm. But in the latest post-military era, starting with Zardari sahib’s PPP coming to power followed by PML-N, when it was finally considered safe, it still faces dangers, though this time the threat is not confined to the military. As the dharna threat grew since mid August, all opposition parties have come to the defence of the N-league. Even the military stayed away, preferring to play its part in safeguarding the ‘democratic project’.

Yet the ruling party is considerably weakened. And as events have moved on it is becoming clear that Imran and Qadri were able to whip up quite a storm – even though it subsided – not just because of their appeal, but because politicians have lost credibility with the masses. And that is not because the ruling elite misunderstands the people’s needs, but rather because it has stopped connecting with the grass-roots. That is why the slogan of democracy largely rings hollow. Neither of the two political parties that have done numerous rounds in the centre can any longer boast a broad support base at the bottom. There was a time when millions thronged to Zulfi Bhutto’s call, but those days are well in the past. The People’s Party of today, too, is now disconnected, much like the N-league.

Even if the PTI-PAT dharna attack fizzles out, which is the most likely outcome, such threats to such democracy will remain. Politicians will have to realise that part of the problem with democracy breaking down time and again lies with them. When those at the top no longer represent the interests of those at the bottom, representative government will not hold. And what road these parties follow after the dharna threat has subsided will show a lot. The PPP seems to have matured plenty, especially in its dealings from the opposition benches. The ruling party, however, still gives reason for concern, and remains inflexible. Such attitudes will have to change if democracy is to prosper.