Beauty of British democracy

1

Tweet

The state of British media before and immediately after the elections could be described as "confusion-worst-confounded.com ". Perhaps that is the way what could otherwise be a normal democratic process is rendered into a football match hullabaloo. Notwithstanding the war of words between three party leaders in the TV debates - elections in Britain have been an exercise that developing democracies should emulate to make their own democratic and electoral processes near perfect.

Like most of the capitalist societies British economy too has been suffering for long from the after affects of a consumerism promoting banking system that gave birth to an insatiable greed to acquire more means of purchasing property, house--hold goods-name anything--in a plastic card economy that tempts you to buy now and pay later when you have no resources. On-going recession world wide is both a manifestation of over spending and the cost of pyrrhic wars that are being fought in various parts of the world.

The former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown who singularly could be attributed to have provided solid shoulders to the British economy when Tony Blair was his boss, did manage it well in the worst of circumstances that he inherited. Had he called for elections immediately after Tony Blair's resignation, the results might not have led a hung parliament.

The grim state of British economy, soaring unemployment (2.5 million as of now), issues related to deficit financing, policy on immigration and other pressing socio-economic matters - did cause confusion in the minds of the voters. This is what has been reflected in their failure to return one single party to power. What could be described as an outcome of confusion - did bring out the silver lining as well on the British political horizon. It enabled fusion of two major parties into a coalition to bring together best of the political leadership to combat serious challenges faced by the United Kingdom that would definitely require serious minds to handle collectively for their redress. In Prime Minister David Cameron, Deputy Premier Nick Clegg and their teams representing Conservatives and Lib-Dem--they have a set of dedicated people fully aware of the difficult path they have to waddle to pull Britain out of its deepening socio-economic quagmire.

There is some sort of scepticism in a section of media and opinion makers regarding the prospects of success of the coalition that is being experimented 70 years down the road in British history. Some of the media commentators have even forecast serious disagreements sooner than later. Notwithstanding their apprehensions, one would put it strongly in support of the success of the concept of coalition since it has worked efficaciously in European countries. Coalition arrangements in Pakistan too have give political stability. As such there is not enough meat to doubt about its success in Britain especially when its new government leaders have made it an agenda of their life time to strive, to seek and to serve in unity in diversity.

Smooth elections in UK have been, no doubt, a tribute to the British democracy that it creates an ethos for all sections of its society to get represented in the parliament. It is also heartening to note that the number of Asians including Indians and Pakistanis have doubled, seven are of Pakistani origin (five belonging to Labours and two from Conservatives). For the first time in the British history two women of Pakistani origin have made it to the parliament while one was already in the House of Lords.

In such an environment, it is a matter of great satisfaction for the disapora from various parts of the world that the British society has afforded the opportunity to them to be represented by their own people. This also shows the admirable tolerance shown by the British people, and the government towards minorities and serves as a lesson to the freedom loving people that in a democratic society, a fair representation to different interest groups is the best guarantee for stability and progress of any society.

It is incumbent upon the Pakistani Diaspora to value the British democratic system and take measures to address the problems faced by the community. The election of Pakistanii members to the Parliament and in the Councils across Britain is reflective of their keen interest in the British political life. As a fellow Pakistani I am proud of their success. It is recognition of their hard work and their acceptability in the British society. I am confident that with perseverance they would prove to be an asset to the British political life. Even now their contribution to the British GDP is around £38 billion.

But, I have a word of caution: We in Pakistan are passing through a sensitive phase of defeating extremists and terrorists. Please help us in neutralizing the forces of obscurantism and pay attention to your youth from falling prey to the extremist propaganda. British youth of Pakistani origin are getting radicalized within the United Kingdom. Unlike some rhetorical claims that three fourth of terror plots on Britain originate from Pakistan, it is Britain itself where we have to find the causes of radicalization and their remedies. Pakistan is not a place for extremist baptism; we have made them run and we will not rest till they are neutralized.

It has become increasingly obvious during my interaction with the British colleagues and scholars that something has to be done to de-radicalize the British youth. What is it that makes a youth radical despite having opportunities to basic education and health facilities? Certainly, the newly elected members of Parliament with roots in Pakistan will have the occasion to raise these issues in the parliament and with the new government.

But we also need assistance from our friends to rejuvenate our economy to provide more jobs in the country and wean the youth away from extremist tendencies. I am confident that the Pakistani Diaspora would play its valuable role in this regard. The newly elected members of the Parliament can steer the process of investment in Pakistan and also lobby with their EU counterparts for greater market access to Pakistan.

Last but not the least a word or two about the conduct of political parties and their leaders in the British elections. It brought out the beauty of democracy as the best system of human management. No heads were broken, no lives were lost and no where a law and order situation threaten the electoral process. Prime Minister Gordon Brown acted most gracefully to resign and make room for David Cameron. And so did the new Prime Minister and his Deputy who came on record in their appreciation of the good work done by Mr Brown as Prime Minister. Indeed, all developing democracies need to emulate the British in translating democracy into action for the greatest good of the largest number.

(The writer is Pakistan's High Commissioner to the UK)