The perils and pitfalls of building multicultural democracy

The article below is from FT which may perhaps help us to understand and analyse some of the recent events in our multiracial democracy and goad us to propose the necessary reforms/institutions/legislations for a more inclusive and functioning democratic system.

Sometime back , I had written that "there is even a growing apprehension that identity has become the basis for a more polarised political configuration, with nefarious consequences for the country’s long-term stability. The continued and persistent emphasis on communal and religious identities, and "écoles de pensées”, and widespread proselytization, have fuelled the forces of societal fragmentation. In addition, governance failures have heightened perceptions of discrimination, exclusion and injustice, along with rising disparities in economic opportunity and equality. All this is contributing to a dangerous intensification of identity politics."

The country’s intelligentsia has failed miserably in providing the scope for a sane, decent and rational conversation on the country’s widening disparities, and opted to watch passively on the sidelines at growing ethnic radicalisation. There is, for example, a notable failure of ideas on how to effectively ensure a level playing field in public sector recruitment and other benefits, or how to safeguard the independent and proper governance of key institutions, including law enforcement and various regulatory bodies. The private sector is not immune from criticisms of its governance and commitment to diversity and social responsibility, although to a far lesser degree. The division of voters on sectarian lines therefore could only be a natural consequence of this new hardening of identity politics, centered around the protection and rescue of minorities from further domination, exploitation and suppression by the majority.

Without an open and constructive exchange to address these issues, and in the absence of meaningful reforms for offering truly equal opportunities to every citizen, it is easier to take refuge in the realm of identities and support group vested interests, rather than consider alternative ideas, plans and actions to ensure greater justice and equality for all.

The futile presentation of legislation on proportional representation only served to harden majority/minority positions on the need for improving the fairness of the electoral system.

How do we re-instil confidence in our multiracial democracy? What are the reforms needed ? What kind of institutions will best suit our alternative ideas of a really functioning democratic and inclusive system ? These should be our main concern -the debates should be around these themes not around personalities and political affiliations!!!

FT.COM

The perils and pitfalls of building multiracial democracies

Managing ethnic, religious and cultural tensions is a challenge for countries all over the world

3Prakash Neerohoo, Rashmee Daby and 1 other

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