Democracy is a system of government that has proven to be effective in many parts of the world. However, the implementation of democracy can be challenging, and its success or failure depends on a range of factors such as political stability, economic development, and social harmony. In South Asia, two countries that have followed divergent paths in their democratic journey are India and Pakistan.
India, the world’s largest democracy, has managed to maintain its democratic institutions despite several challenges. The country has a vibrant and diverse civil society, a free press, and an independent judiciary. Political parties are free to contest elections, and citizens have the right to vote and participate in the democratic process. India has a long tradition of peaceful and orderly transfers of power, with multiple political parties taking turns in governing the country.
In contrast, Pakistan has struggled to establish a stable democracy since its inception. The country has been under military rule for a significant part of its history, and democratic institutions have been weakened by political interference, corruption, and nepotism. The media is often censored, and journalists are threatened or attacked for reporting on sensitive issues. Political parties and civil society groups are regularly subjected to harassment and intimidation, and the judiciary is not always independent.
The differences in democratic resilience between India and Pakistan can be traced back to several factors. One key factor is the economic development of the two countries. India has experienced sustained economic growth in the past few decades, which has helped to create a middle class that demands more democratic freedoms and has a stake in the stability of the country. In contrast, Pakistan has struggled with economic instability, with high inflation, unemployment, and debt, which has created social unrest and political turmoil.
Another factor is the nature of the political leadership in the two countries. India has had a succession of leaders who have been committed to democratic values and institutions. While there have been occasional setbacks, such as the emergency in the 1970s, the Indian political class has generally respected the rule of law and democratic norms. In contrast, Pakistan has had a history of military coups and authoritarian rulers who have suppressed democratic institutions and suppressed dissent.
Finally, the role of civil society and the media has been critical in maintaining democratic resilience in India. Civil society groups and NGOs have played an active role in monitoring and holding the government accountable, while the media has been free to report on issues of public interest. In contrast, civil society groups in Pakistan have often been suppressed or co-opted by the government, and the media is often under pressure to toe the government line.
In conclusion, while both India and Pakistan are democracies, their experiences with democracy have been vastly different. India’s resilience and stability are a testament to the strength of its democratic institutions, its economic development, and the commitment of its political leadership to democratic values. Pakistan’s struggle with democracy is a reflection of its economic and social challenges, its history of military rule, and the suppression of civil society and the media. While democracy is never perfect, the success of India’s democratic experiment should serve as a model for other countries in the region.
