Which political system of government is suitable for developing countries, using as an example Afghanistan?
By: Dr. Najibullah Anwar
Developing countries often face challenges in establishing stable and effective political systems due to various factors such as historical legacies, socioeconomic disparities, corruption, lack of institutional capacity, and external influence. These challenges can hinder the development of inclusive governance structures that adequately represent and serve the interests of their populations.
In Afghanistan, various forms of government, including republicanism, socialism, Islamism, and Western democracy, have been attempted. However, none of these provided the country with political stability, economic prosperity, or peace. For more than four decades, war has overwhelmed the situation.
In recent times, former politicians from the republican era advocate for a federal form of government. However, they seem to forget that unofficially, from 1992 to 1996, and during the 20 years following, Afghanistan was essentially a federal republic. During this time, every warlord created a power center in their region and rejected the authority of the central government. Proponents of federalism argue that it can solve all of the country's problems, but many of them seem to be motivated by a desire to regain their lost privileges and political power.
They often cite examples from the USA and Germany's federal systems. However, it is essential to acknowledge that success in one country doesn’t guarantee success elsewhere. In the USA and Germany, strong and advanced political parties play a crucial role in making federalism effective. They help with organization, represent diverse interests in different regions, facilitate cooperation between levels of government, and provide mechanisms for negotiation. The party system contributes significantly to the stability and effectiveness of federalism.
It is crucial to acknowledge that federalism alone cannot provide a framework for decentralized government, nor does it guarantee democratic governance. Other factors such as the rule of law, respect for human rights, and political culture are essential for true democratic development. For example, Russia has a federal government but has been criticized for its lack of pluralism, restrictive freedom of speech and assembly, and concerns about fraudulent elections. Similarly, Venezuela has a federal government under Nicolas Maduro, but the country faces challenges of authoritarianism and the suppression of the opposition.
The example of Manmohan Singh, who served as Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, is significant. He was appointed by the Indian National Congress party. As a member of India’s Sikh minority, comprising only 1.7% of the population, Singh achieved the highest and most powerful position in India. Additionally, India’s Muslims, constituting 15% of the population, have also held significant positions, including the presidency. This highlights that it is the party system, rather than just federalism, that allows minorities to participate and make decisions in their country. Similarly, Imran Khan becoming Prime Minister of Pakistan underscores the importance of the democratic process and the political party system in enabling diverse representation in leadership.
