Brief Summary
This video discusses the relationship between political parties and legislators in Pakistan, the role of local governments, and the discipline and performance of parliamentarians. It highlights the need for political parties to move beyond a focus on electability and invest in the growth of their legislators. The discussion also covers the importance of parliamentary oversight, the strengthening of committees, and the empowerment of politicians through self-awareness and countering negative propaganda.
- The electability crisis and the role of local governments in alleviating pressure on legislators.
- The need for democratic political parties and the importance of internal democracy.
- The discipline and performance of parliamentarians and the need for parliamentary oversight.
- The empowerment of politicians through self-awareness and countering negative propaganda.
Introduction
The discussion begins by addressing the relationship between political parties and their legislators in Pakistan, a topic often overlooked. Political parties frequently lament legislators leaving, while legislators express concerns about the lack of growth within their parties due to leadership issues. This creates a "marriage of inconvenience" between them.
Electability Crisis and Local Governments
The conversation shifts to the "electability crisis," where legislators face challenges in getting elected. Political electability in Pakistan depends on party affiliation and personal contributions. Local government representatives' work affects legislators' electability, as constituents demand local improvements like drains, schools, and jobs. The absence of functional local governments puts pressure on legislators to fill this gap. If local governments were effective, legislators could focus on legislation, and political parties could give tickets to experts.
Politics of Development and Resource Distribution
Politics has shifted towards development, where limited public resources are distributed based on voter loyalty. People expect tangible benefits like roads, drains, jobs, and transfers in exchange for their votes. Some legislators resist local governments, fearing resource sharing and loss of control. Political awareness is lacking, with people primarily concerned about personal gains rather than broader governance issues.
Democracy and Political Parties
In a democracy, political parties are fundamental. Many parties have centralized leadership, resembling "democratic kingships" rather than institutions. They are often personality-centric or cult-like, lacking internal democracy. This issue goes to the roots, as even homes often lack democratic values. However, social media is changing this culture, expanding people's horizons, with both advantages and disadvantages.
Political Parties and Legislators: A Perspective
Political parties prioritize "electable" candidates to win seats, especially in cities where money plays a significant role. Parties aim to control legislation through experts and bureaucracy. This perspective is detrimental to democracy, hindering the growth of legislators and political workers. Idealistic democracy requires every individual to have decision-making capacity, but in rural areas, survival depends on belonging to a group or community.
Discipline and Performance of Parliament
The executive and judiciary branches maintain discipline, with ministers and bureaucrats working daily. However, the legislature often lacks discipline. Many legislators do not attend assembly sessions, even during important budget sessions. While facilities like hostels and salaries are provided, attendance remains low. The Punjab Assembly, with 371 members, often sees only a fraction present. This lack of seriousness is filled by the executive and judiciary.
Motivation and Parliamentary Oversight
There is a need for motivation among legislators, possibly through counselors. Interaction and support from leadership are crucial to maintain members' interest. Political parties should oversee their legislators' performance. Parliamentary oversight involves questioning cabinet members and raising issues, which can lead to improvements in departments. Even if answers are unsatisfactory, the process can eventually bring about change.
Strengthening Committees and Parliamentary Governance
Parliamentary governance is essentially cabinet governance. Strong committees are essential for effective executive oversight. Many committees are notified in assemblies and the federation, but capacity building is needed, including staff and space. Despite these challenges, committee work is progressing rapidly, with live sessions and available records. The questioning in these committees is serious and pointed, holding bureaucrats accountable.
Joint Legislative Interest and Committee Proceedings
While judges and bureaucrats often protect their interests, politicians are divided, hindering joint legislative interests. Surprisingly, committee proceedings show members from all parties working together without conflict. These meetings demonstrate democracy at work, with pictorial evidence of demand for those working inside.
Empowering Politicians in Pakistan
Politicians need to recognize and understand their power, avoiding subservience. Awareness of their state-given power is crucial. They must create their own space, countering propaganda from bureaucracy, institutions, and media. Evolution is necessary for survival, requiring the elimination of old thoughts and the development of new ones. Despite challenges, a significant proportion of legislators are evolving and rising.
Conclusion
The discussion concludes by emphasizing the importance of empowering politicians in Pakistan for democratic governance. The Republic Policy channel works on this cause. Viewers are encouraged to like and subscribe to the channel.
