Presentation power sharing
- 1. POWER SHARING C L A S S X D E M O C R AT I C P O L I T I C S C H A P T E R 1
- 2. OVERVIEW • This chapter emphasizes on importance of Power Sharing, i.e. sharing of power of decision makings, policy makings etc., between different authorities, in Democratic system of Governance. • Various types of power sharing is observed in a Democratic system. • Power sharing between state governments and central government, power sharing between judiciary, legislature, and executive are examples of power sharing. • Power sharing is also observed between different linguistic groups in order to make peace between them. • In this chapter, power sharing and its importance is observed via real time examples of Sri Lanka and Beligium.
- 3. CASE OF SRI LANKA The linguistic structure of Sri Lanka, based on language is as Following MuslimsHindu Majority :Sinhala Speaking Buddhists (Religion followed by majority of Sinhalas) Indian Tamil Christians Minority: Tamil Speaking Sri Lanka Tamil
- 4. MAJORITARIANISM POLICY • Sri Lanka attained policy of Majoritarianism, i.e. the majority Sinhala speaking group made policies, that were beneficiary for development of their culture and neglected minority Tamilians. • In 1956, an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only official language, thus disregarding Tamil. • A new constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism. • Sinhalas were preferred for universities and government jobs.
- 5. CONSEQUENCES • Tamils felt discrimination, opposed the policy of majoritarianism. • Conflict arose between both Tamils and Sinhala community, demand of New independent Tamil state Tamil Elam arose. • Tamil militants group were formed, for example LTTE( Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam). • This was followed by civil war. • This conflict caused loss of lives, properties. • It created hindrance in development of Sri Lanka. • . Many families were forced to leave the country as refugees and many more lost their livelihoods.
- 6. CASE OF BELIGIUM Ethnic Composition of Belgium Dutch 20% Germen: 1% French: 40% Wallonia Region Comparatively lesser in number but richest community Dutch: 59% Flemith Region French 80% Ethnic Composition of Brussels: Capital City of Belgium French Minority were richer community. The Dutch was larger in number. There was conflict between two communities in 1950-60s. The problem was more acute in Capital as French were in majority in Capital but minority in country.
- 7. ACCOMMODATION POLICY • The path taken by Belgium was different from Sri Lankan Majoritarian Policy. • Between 1970 and 1993, they amended their constitution four times so as to work out an arrangement that would enable everyone to live together within the same country. • A power Sharing Arrangement was established for establishment of peace in the country. • Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers shall be equal in the central government. Some special laws require the support of majority of members from each linguistic group. • No single community can make decisions unilaterally. • Many powers of the central government have been given to state governments of the two regions of the country. The state governments are not subordinate to the Central Government. • Brussels has a separate government in which both the communities have equal representation. The French speaking people accepted equal representation in Brussels because the Dutch-speaking community has accepted equal representation in the Central Government. • Apart from the Central and the State Government, there is a third kind of government. This ‘community government’ is elected by people belonging to one language community – Dutch, French and German-speaking – no matter where they live. This government has the power regarding cultural, educational and language-related issues.
- 8. CONSEQUENCES • A Complicated Constitution was framed. • Peace was established between all linguist groups of Belgium, leading stability and a path opened for development of Country. • A potential division of country was avoided. • When many countries of Europe came together to form the European • Union, Brussels was chosen as its headquarters.
- 9. COMPARING BOTH CASES • Majoritarian Policy in Sri Lanka led to conflict while accommodation Policy led to peace in Belgium. • Majoritarian Policy in Sri Lanka led to demand of separate state for a particular linguistic group while accommodation policy made all linguistic community to leave together in same country. • Political instability was their in Sri Lanka, but despite of complex constitution Political stability was obtained in Belgium. • Development was hindered in Sri Lanka, While Belgium became one of the important places in Europe and get HQ of European Union. • BY these two examples, it can be concluded that Power Sharing is a sustainable model for Governance, stability, peace and development.
- 10. Advantages of Power Sharing Analytical Moral • Reduces Social Conflict • Reduces chances of division • Political Stability • Open Path ways of development • Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. • A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise, and who have to live with its effects. • People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed. • A legitimate government is one where citizens, through participation, acquire a stake in the system.
- 11. Types of Power Sharing Power Sharing between Political Parties, social Groups etc. Power Sharing between different social Groups: Example of Belgium Power Sharing between government of different levels: Federal Government: Power sharing between Central and state Governments : Power sharing of Gram Panchayat is similar example. Power sharing between different organs of Government: Power Sharing between legislature, executive and judiciary : Also Known as Horizontal distribution