JAVED I CHAUDRY

Why has democracy not taken root in most Muslim countries? - FOTH SEMINAR APR. 02, 2006

 

Javed Chaudry

Dear Aziz Sahib,

In my paper I have identified several reason for the absence of the democracy along with various factors which strongly help to establish it. One of the factor is the willingness and the commitment of the elites, section 5.9, partially reproduced below. I have also given the example of India as you have, in your recent post. Please take a look below.

Regards,

Javed I. Chaudry

April 7, 06

{Copied from my April 2 presentation}

5.9    Elites’ commitment to democracy

The single most important requirement to establish a democracy is the commitment and the willingness of the elites of the society to bring about this change. We have seen in the European historical examples, the elites are always reluctant to share their power and privileges with others. They would like to hang on to the power as long as they can. Today, the elites in various Muslim countries are hanging on to the power. These rogues do not believe in building a nation but they would rather build a strong circle of personal friends and family to keep the democracy at bay for as long as they can.

At the time of partition of Indian subcontinent in 1947, The Indian elites, Nehru and Gandhi, did the right thing to start off on the right foot and started an excellent example of democracy for that country. It is generally speculated that Jinnah would have done the same for Pakistan if he had lived for another few years.

 

 April 07, 2006

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