Reasons for the Failure of Democracy in
Reasons for the Failure of Democracy in Third World States
Case Study of Pakistan
In the 21st century it is a common perception that democracy is the best form of governance and economic development is a fruit of democratic rule. The sole super power within European states intervenes in Third World countries to bring democracy. However watching the Third World countries go through cycles of military rule has forced me to rethink this issue. In particular I observed Pakistan where common people pinned their hopes in democracy. They believed that democracy with freedom of press and an independent judiciary will force the ruling elite to improve the lives of the common man.
Ask any one about the past five years of democratic rule in Pakistan and compare with the immediate preceding five years of military dictatorship. The answer I received during my recent visit indicated that nothing has improved in areas of education, health care, cost of living, prices of common commodities or supply of clean drinking water.
Before we look into finding the solution, I like to analyze why democracy did not make any difference in the lives of the people. Here is why democracy has not produced economic progress in Third World countries.
Outdated Laws / Lack of rule of Law:
Perhaps the most important element in the economic development of any country is the rule of law. Third World countries have archaic laws that are a legacy of colonial rule. In Pakistan the prosecution of well-known criminals, even murderers, cannot be done. In a military regime there is a fear of force but in a democratic government only the poor people go to jail while rich and powerful hire good lawyers to drag legal cases for years.
The police and law enforcement agencies cannot go against the wishes of the ruling political parties due to posting and transfers in faraway places. The Supreme Court in Pakistan asked the executive branch to investigate and prosecute the corrupt people. The ruling party dragged
Case Study of Pakistan
In the 21st century it is a common perception that democracy is the best form of governance and economic development is a fruit of democratic rule. The sole super power within European states intervenes in Third World countries to bring democracy. However watching the Third World countries go through cycles of military rule has forced me to rethink this issue. In particular I observed Pakistan where common people pinned their hopes in democracy. They believed that democracy with freedom of press and an independent judiciary will force the ruling elite to improve the lives of the common man.
Ask any one about the past five years of democratic rule in Pakistan and compare with the immediate preceding five years of military dictatorship. The answer I received during my recent visit indicated that nothing has improved in areas of education, health care, cost of living, prices of common commodities or supply of clean drinking water.
Before we look into finding the solution, I like to analyze why democracy did not make any difference in the lives of the people. Here is why democracy has not produced economic progress in Third World countries.
Outdated Laws / Lack of rule of Law:
Perhaps the most important element in the economic development of any country is the rule of law. Third World countries have archaic laws that are a legacy of colonial rule. In Pakistan the prosecution of well-known criminals, even murderers, cannot be done. In a military regime there is a fear of force but in a democratic government only the poor people go to jail while rich and powerful hire good lawyers to drag legal cases for years.
The police and law enforcement agencies cannot go against the wishes of the ruling political parties due to posting and transfers in faraway places. The Supreme Court in Pakistan asked the executive branch to investigate and prosecute the corrupt people. The ruling party dragged