In South Asia, a quiet yet significant shift is happening in the political landscape—a silent democratic backlash. Across the region, people are increasingly frustrated with governments that they feel are not living up to democratic ideals like transparency, accountability, and fairness. This growing discontent is being expressed through protests, social movements, and a demand for change. While these movements may not always make headlines, they are reshaping the conversation about what true democracy should look like in South Asia. The silent backlash highlights the deep desire for more inclusive and responsive governance in the region.
Tags: GS-2, IR- International Treaties & Agreements- Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India’s Interests– Groupings & Agreements Involving India
Context:
- The recent developments in Bangladesh, and the earlier events in Sri Lanka and Pakistan as well as the recent electoral outcome of the general election in India, clearly suggest a silent democratic backlash in South Asia.
What are the Emerging Democratic Backlashes in India ,Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri lanka?
India:
- Erosion of Democratic Norms:
- Centralization of power and laws like UAPA are increasingly used against critics, threatening civil liberties and reducing space for dissent.
- Example: The arrest of climate activist Disha Ravi under sedition charges for her involvement in the farmers’ protest toolkit illustrates the growing use of stringent laws like UAPA to curb dissent.
- Judicial Independence:
- Perceived bias and judicial overreach in favour of the ruling government have raised concerns about the judiciary’s impartiality.
- Example: The Supreme Court’s denial of bail to activists like Sudha Bharadwaj, despite weak evidence, has led to debates about the judiciary’s impartiality.
- Electoral Integrity:
- Allegations of state machinery misuse, media bias, and money power have cast doubts on the fairness of the electoral process.
- Example: Allegations of EVM tampering and media bias during the 2019 general elections raised concerns about the fairness of the electoral process.
Pakistan:
- Military Influence:
- The military’s dominance in political affairs continues to undermine the authority of elected governments and democratic governance.
- Example: The removal of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in 2017, viewed as influenced by the military, underscores the military’s ongoing control over Pakistan’s political landscape.
- Judicial and Media Clampdown:
- The judiciary is accused of targeting political opponents, and media freedom is increasingly restricted, leading to a decline in democracy.
- Example: The arrest of journalist Cyril Almeida for reporting on civil-military tensions highlights the judiciary’s role in suppressing dissent and the media’s shrinking freedom.
- Political Instability:
- Frequent non-electoral government changes and inconsistent policies contribute to ongoing political instability and weak democratic institutions.
- Example: The ousting of Imran Khan through a no-confidence vote in 2022 reflects Pakistan’s continued political instability and the military’s influence in governance.
Bangladesh:
- Authoritarian Tendencies:
- The ruling party is accused of electoral fraud, suppressing opposition, and curbing media freedom, leading to a more authoritarian governance style.
- Example: The 2018 general elections, marred by allegations of vote rigging and suppression of opposition, indicate a shift towards authoritarian governance.
- Human Rights Concerns:
- Reports of human rights violations, such as enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, indicate a crackdown on dissent and consolidation of power.
- Example: The imprisonment of opposition leader Khaleda Zia on charges seen as politically motivated exemplifies the targeting of dissent and human rights abuses.
- Civil Society and Freedom of Expression:
- Government laws, like the Digital Security Act, are used to suppress civil society and limit freedom of expression, eroding democratic norms.
- Example: The use of the Digital Security Act to silence critics, such as the arrest of journalist Shafiqul Islam Kajol, demonstrates the shrinking space for free expression in Bangladesh.
Srlilanka:
- Centralization of Power
- Presidential Authority: The executive presidency has centralised power, reducing checks and balances, raising fears of authoritarianism.
- Example: The 2020 20th Amendment expanded presidential powers, seen as a rollback of democratic reforms.
- Suppression of Dissent
- Crackdown on Protests: The government has suppressed dissent through military and police force, targeting activists and opposition.
- Example: In 2022, economic crisis protests were met with force, leading to detentions under emergency regulations, raising concerns about civil liberties.
- Media Freedom and Censorship
- Press Restrictions: Increasing censorship and harassment of journalists have reduced media freedom and the space for independent journalism.
- Example: Journalists covering the 2022 crisis faced intimidation and arrests, limiting the press’s ability to hold the government accountable.
- Ethnic and Religious Tensions
- Targeting Minorities: The government has been accused of worsening ethnic and religious tensions, particularly against Tamils and Muslims, to consolidate power.
- Example: Post-2019 Easter Sunday bombings, anti-Muslim rhetoric and violence increased, with allegations of state complicity.
- Economic Mismanagement and Corruption
- Governance Impact: Mismanagement, corruption, and nepotism have led to public discontent and a loss of trust in democratic institutions.
- Example: The 2022 economic crisis, marked by severe shortages, was blamed on government mismanagement, leading to mass protests and the president’s resignation.
What are the main causes of the democratic backlash in South Asia?
- Centralization of Power:
- Leaders in several South Asian countries have increasingly centralised authority, reducing the checks and balances essential to a healthy democracy.
- This concentration of power undermines democratic institutions and limits public participation.
- Erosion of Civil Liberties:
- Governments in the region have imposed restrictions on freedom of speech, assembly, and the press.
- Laws such as sedition and anti-terrorism legislation are often misused to silence critics, activists, and opposition figures, leading to a shrinking space for dissent.
- Judicial Manipulation:
- The independence of the judiciary is under threat as courts are perceived to be influenced or pressured by the executive branch.
- High-profile cases involving opposition leaders are often seen as politically motivated, weakening the rule of law.
- Electoral Malpractices:
- Electoral integrity is compromised through the misuse of state resources, media bias, and vote-buying, which undermine public trust in the democratic process.
- Allegations of electoral fraud and manipulation have become common, leading to questions about the legitimacy of elected governments.
- Military Influence:
- In countries like Pakistan, the military continues to wield significant power over civilian governments, often intervening in political affairs.
- This influence undermines democratic governance and the autonomy of elected leaders.
- Political Instability:
- Frequent changes in government, often through undemocratic means such as military coups or judicial overreach, contribute to a cycle of instability that weakens democratic institutions and erodes public confidence in democracy.
- Authoritarian Tendencies:
- Some leaders in the region have exhibited authoritarian tendencies, using their power to suppress opposition, control the media, and weaken democratic processes.
- This trend is particularly evident in Bangladesh, where the ruling party has been accused of undermining democratic norms.
- Human Rights Violations:
- The rise in human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and suppression of minority groups, reflects the increasing authoritarianism in the region.
- These actions not only violate democratic principles but also alienate large segments of the population.
- Economic Disparities:
- Widening economic inequalities and social disparities contribute to public discontent, making populations more susceptible to populist and authoritarian leaders who promise quick fixes rather than sustainable democratic solutions.
The impact of the democratic backlash in South Asia:
- Erosion of Democratic Institutions:
- Weakened Checks and Balances: The centralization of power in the executive branch in countries like India and Bangladesh has undermined the independence of other democratic institutions, such as the judiciary and the legislature.
- Example: In India, the perceived influence of the executive over the judiciary in high-profile cases has raised concerns about the erosion of judicial independence.
- Suppression of Civil Liberties:
- Curtailment of Freedoms: The use of restrictive laws, media censorship, and the targeting of dissenters have led to a shrinking space for free expression and civil society activism.
- Example: In Pakistan, the increasing pressure on journalists and the media has led to self-censorship, reducing the diversity of opinions and critical reporting.
- Political Instability:
- Frequent Government Changes: The democratic backlash has contributed to political instability, with frequent changes in government due to internal conflicts, military interventions, or electoral disputes.
- Example: In Nepal, the frequent changes in government due to coalition politics and party infighting have made it difficult to implement consistent policies, affecting economic and social development.
- Human Rights Violations:
- Increase in Abuses: The backlash has been accompanied by a rise in human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and the suppression of peaceful protests.
- Example: In Bangladesh, reports of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings by security forces have drawn international criticism, highlighting the human rights challenges in the country.
- Undermining of Electoral Integrity:
- Manipulation of Elections: Electoral processes are increasingly being questioned due to allegations of fraud, voter suppression, and the misuse of state resources.
- Example: The 2018 general elections in Bangladesh were marred by allegations of widespread voter suppression and rigging, leading to questions about the legitimacy of the election results.
- Impact on Economic Growth:
- Economic Uncertainty: Political instability and the erosion of democratic norms can deter foreign investment, disrupt economic policies, and lead to economic mismanagement.
- Example: Sri Lanka’s economic crisis in 2022, exacerbated by poor governance and the mishandling of public protests, highlighted how political turmoil can lead to severe economic consequences.
- Regional Security Concerns:
- Heightened Tensions: The democratic backlash can lead to increased internal conflicts, which may spill over into neighbouring countries, raising regional security concerns.
- Example: The political and military instability in Afghanistan has had a direct impact on neighbouring countries, leading to increased cross-border terrorism and refugee crises, which affect the entire region.
Way forward:
- Strengthening Democratic Institutions:
- Judicial Independence: Judicial reforms, transparent appointment processes, and protection from political interference are necessary to restore public trust in the legal system.
- Protecting Civil Liberties:
- Legal Reforms: Repealing or amending repressive laws that curtail freedom of speech, assembly, and the press is essential
- Example: The repeal of restrictive laws like sedition in India could help restore freedom of expression and encourage healthy political discourse.
- Enhancing Electoral Integrity:
- Election Reforms: Strengthening electoral commissions, ensuring transparency in campaign financing, and implementing measures to prevent electoral fraud are critical for restoring faith in the democratic process.
- Example: The adoption of electronic voting systems with robust security measures, as seen in Brazil, could be explored to enhance the credibility of elections in South Asia.
- Promoting Inclusive Governance:
- Decentralisation: Empowering local governments and ensuring greater public participation in decision-making processes can help address the centralization of power and make governance more inclusive.
- Protecting Human Rights:
- Human Rights Commissions: Strengthening national human rights commissions and ensuring they operate independently can provide a check on government power and offer redress for human rights abuses.
- Fostering Regional Cooperation:
- Regional Forums: South Asian countries should strengthen regional cooperation through forums like SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) to address common challenges such as human rights, electoral integrity, and governance reforms.
- Supporting Civil Society:
- Empowering NGOs: Civil society organisations should be supported and protected to play a vital role in advocating for democratic reforms, human rights, and government accountability.
- Example: Legal protections and funding for NGOs, similar to models in the EU, can help civil society thrive in South Asia.
- Encouraging Dialogue and Reconciliation:
- National Dialogues: Establishing platforms for dialogue between government, opposition, and civil society can help resolve conflicts and foster national reconciliation.
- Addressing Socio-Economic Inequalities:
- Economic Reforms: Reducing economic disparities through inclusive policies can address some of the root causes of democratic discontent, ensuring that all citizens benefit from economic growth.
- Example: Implementing targeted social welfare programs, like India’s Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), can help reduce poverty and social tensions.
- International Support and Pressure:
- Global Advocacy: International organisations and democracies should advocate for democratic norms and apply diplomatic pressure where necessary to encourage reforms.
- Example: The European Union’s use of trade agreements with human rights clauses can serve as leverage to encourage democratic reforms in South Asia.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims:
Q:1 Elephant Pass, sometimes seen in the news, is mentioned in the context of the affairs of which one of the following? (2009)
- Bangladesh
- India
- Nepal
- Sri Lanka
Ans: (d)
Q:2 Consider the following statements: (2020)
- The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade.
- “Textile and textile articles” constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh.
- In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 only
- 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Mains:
Q:1 “China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia”. In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour. (2017)
Q:2 Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive role in the emergence of Bangladesh. (2013)
Q:3 The proposed withdrawal of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan in 2014 is fraught with major security implications for the region’s countries. Examine in light of the fact that India is faced with a plethora of challenges and needs to safeguard its own strategic interests. (2013)
Q:4 Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian government to improve relationships with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss. (2015)
Q:5 What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss. (2013)
Q:6 “The diverse nature of India as a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society is not immune to the impact of radicalism which is seen in her neighbourhood.” Discuss along with strategies to be adopted to counter this environment. (2014)
Q:7 ‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent political crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. (2022)
Source: TH
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