Democracy Dialogue held by Blue Veins in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 17 August 2018
Participants: 60 (44 male, 9 female, 7 transgender)
Introduction
The focus of the democracy dialogue was on the participation of marginalised segments of society in the democratic sphere and their ability to influence political outcomes without suffering discrimination or reprisal. The session discussed the exclusion and challenges of religious minorities, the transgender community, women and people with disabilities in mainstream politics and democracy. Participants explored the role of civil society in promoting an inclusive socio-political discourse in Pakistan.
1. Definitions and concepts of democracy
- Majority rule and the protection of individuals and socially isolated groups.
- Giving autocratic regimes a false cover of legitimacy.
- Where numbers win and brains lose.
- A new version of feudal capitalism.
- Voting once every five years.
2. Key problems/issues in our context
- Political and democratic discourse is not inclusive of minorities, gender-variant people and people with disabilities.
- Loss of confidence in political parties and politicians.
- Elections are not resulting in freedom and democracy.
- Party membership, voter participation and trust in politicians are declining.
- Political leaders are corrupt, dishonest and inefficient.
As reported in the media coverage of the event, participants shared the following views on democracy and the challenges it faces in Pakistan:
“Despite elections every four years freedom and democracy are actually in retreat, as it has become only a mechanism for the peaceful arbitration of political rivalries. Elections in Pakistan serve merely to give autocratic regimes a veneer of legitimacy. This makes polities fragile as it encourages disgruntled groups to find other, less constructive, channels for the expression of their discontent.” - Qamar Naseem, Blue Veins Program Coordinator
“Democracy is more likely to develop and endure when marginalised segments of a society are free to participate and influence political outcomes without suffering discrimination or reprisal. But unfortunately, they are excluded in Pakistan based on their gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, gender identity or other identity factors.” - Shaheen Quresh, President Chairperson of the District Committee on the Status of Women, Peshawar
“Pluralism must be the essence of democracy, which should include political pluralism, peaceful rotation of power, the right of all political parties to exist and organise, cultural pluralism, religious pluralism, and gender pluralism. Pakistan is blessed with diversity and this must be seen as a strength, not a weakness.” - Taimur Kamal, Coordinator of the Pakhtunkhwa Civil Society Network
“Societies where large numbers of people go uncounted in the census get less than their fair share of political representation and resources. When specific racial, religious and ethnic groups are undercounted, it is harder to identify and rectify violations of their civil rights.” - Radesh Singh Tony, Chairman of the National Council for Minority Rights and a recent candidate of the Provincial Assembly
“People with gender variant identities in Pakistan are still struggling to be recognised as human beings in this society. Inviting masses to vote for an elite and electable class of society does not reflect the essence of democracy. The democracies of today can remain democracies only if they are able to negotiate pluralism and communality, conflict and justice, rationality and identities.” - Farzana Riaz, President of the Transgender Community
“Religion, pluralism and democracy are compatible and they should be the mutually reinforcing foundations of healthy, stable, and prosperous societies, as religion and faith have provided humanity with ethical codes and spiritual guidance and comfort, and have been driving forces for personal and social progress.” - Jamil, renowned religious scholar
“The lack of representation of people with disabilities is a serious threat to the inclusion of disabled people in policy matters. Continuing barriers surrounding disabled people's equitable participation in social and economic life means promises are not resulting in action. The participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes is crucial.” - Ayaz Khan, disability rights activist
“The minority's rights must be protected no matter how alienated a minority is from the majority society; otherwise, the majority's rights lose their meaning.” - Shams Naveed, Coordinator of Bridge Organization
3. Key civil society responses
- To strengthen the integrity, inclusivity and legitimacy of electoral and democratic processes, civil society launched a coalition for an inclusive Pakistan, a project to make electoral and democratic forces friendly towards transgender persons, women and people with disabilities.
- Civil society has advocated for policy changes and was successful in mobilising the government to pass the 2018 Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act and the 2017 Elections Act.
- Civil society organisations (CSOs) have provided a platform for vulnerable and socially isolated groups to raise their concerns and streamlined their challenges in terms of participating in the electoral and democratic processes of Pakistan.
4. Challenges/issues in civil society responses
- There is a common perception that CSOs pursue their parochial interests while other segments of civil society do not play a proactive role.
- Civil society has little understanding of neoliberalism, globalisation, digitalisation and post-modern identity formation, their connection with democracy and civil society’s role in addressing these challenges.
- While there are some isolated efforts, civil society has failed to promote diversity as an asset that can benefit society.
5. Support needs for civil society in responding
- The digital revolution has already changed Pakistani society profoundly. E-citizens are facing challenges in relation to freedom and privacy while the internet is having a great impact on how democracy is practised in Pakistan. Civil society needs to be equipped with tools and resources to meet these challenges. Civil society has an opportunity to benefit from the use of cyberspace for the promotion of democratic values.
- CSOs face challenges in accessing flexible funding, which affects the attraction and retention of experts.
- Civil society needs exposure and networking with regional and international organisations for experience sharing, learning and networking.
6. Additional ideas on reimagining democracy
- A new, strategic reform policy has to overcome both class society and feudal capitalism.
- The internet is a public space and it has increasingly become an important influencer, and must be shaped by the means available to democratic politics.
- Growing fears about jobs, social security, social cohesion and the familiar world of everyday life must be taken seriously and must be used as a starting point for democratic values.
