Power Sharing

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Power Sharing in Belgium

Demographic Overview:

• Belgium is a small European country with a population exceeding 1 crore.
  • The population is approximately half the size of Haryana, a state in India.
• Linguistic Distribution:
  • Dutch is spoken by the majority, constituting 59% of the population.
  • French is the second most spoken language, with 40% of the population using it.
  • The remaining 1% of the population speaks German.
• Language Map:
  • The linguistic diversity is visually represented on the map, showcasing the regions where Dutch, French, and German are predominantly spoken.
• Economic Disparities and Tensions:
  • During the 1950s and 1960s, tensions arose between the Dutch speaking and French speaking communities.
  • The minority French speaking community, which was affluent and influential, enjoyed the benefits of economic development and education.
  • This economic asymmetry created discontent and tensions, reflecting disparities in opportunities and resources between the linguistic groups.

Accommodations Made in Belgium

Constitutional Amendments:

• The Belgian leaders amended the constitution four times during this period.
  • These amendments were instrumental in restructuring the government to address community differences.
• Equal Representation in Central Government:
  • The Constitution mandated that the number of Dutch and French speaking ministers in the Central Government should be equal.
  • This ensures a balance of linguistic representation at the highest level of government.
• Majority Support for Special Laws:
  • Special laws, crucial for certain decisions, require the support of the majority from each linguistic group.
  • This mechanism prevents any single community from making unilateral decisions, fostering collaboration and consensus.
• Autonomous State Governments:
  • Sate governments in Belgium are not subordinate to the Central Government.
  • This autonomy allows regions to address local concerns and issues independently.
• Separate Government for Brussels:
  • Brussels, a linguistically diverse region, has a separate government with equal representation from both communities.
  • This arrangement acknowledges the unique linguistic composition of Brussels and ensures fair governance.
• Community Governments:
  • Apart from the Central and State Governments, a third type of government, the ‘community government,’ exists.
  • This government is elected by people belonging to one language community, be it Dutch, French, or Germanspeaking.
  • It holds authority over cultural, educational, and language related issues, providing communities control over matters important to them.

Story of Sri Lanka

Demographic Overview:

• Sri Lanka is an island nation with a population of approximately 2 crores, similar to that of Haryana.
  • The diverse population consists of various ethnic and linguistic groups.
• Major Social Groups:
  • The two major social groups in Sri Lanka are the Sinhala speakers, constituting 74% of the population.
  • The Tamil speakers make up 18% of the population, with two subgroups known as “Sri Lankan Tamils” and “Indian Tamils.”
• Tamil Subgroups:
  • Within the Tamil community, there are two distinct subgroups  “Sri Lankan Tamils” and “Indian Tamils.“
  • This distinction reflects the diverse origins and histories of the Tamil speaking population in Sri Lanka.
• Population Distribution:
  • The map provides a visual representation of the distribution of different communities in Sri Lanka.
  • Understanding the geographical spread of communities is crucial to grasping the regional dynamics.
• Sinhala Majority and Imposition of Will:
  • The Sinhala community, being the majority, historically enjoyed a larger share of influence.
  • There were instances where the Sinhala community imposed its will on the entire country, leading to tensions and conflicts.
• Ethnic Tensions:
  • The imposition of the will by the Sinhala community contributed to ethnic tensions, particularly with the Tamil speaking minority.
  • These tensions became more pronounced in the latter half of the 20th century, leading to significant political and social consequences.
• Political Developments:
  • Sri Lanka experienced political upheavals, with ethnic considerations playing a pivotal role in shaping policies and governance.
  • The struggle for recognition and rights by the Tamil speaking minority led to complex political dynamics.
• Civil Strife and Resolution Efforts:
  • The country faced a prolonged period of civil strife, marked by conflicts between the Sinhala and Tamil communities.
  • Various efforts were made to address these issues, including political negotiations and peace processes.

Impact of Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka

• Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948.
• The Sinhala community, forming the majority, established the government.
• Government implemented preferential policies favoring Sinhala applicants.
• Resulted in a growing sense of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils.
• Sri Lankan Tamils launched movements for language recognition, autonomy, and equal opportunities.
• Government repeatedly denied their demands, leading to distrust and culminating in a civil war in 2009.
• The civil war ended in 2009, leaving a devastating impact on Sri Lanka.

Lessons from Belgium and Sri Lanka

Democratic Variations: A Comparative Analysis

• Both Belgium and Sri Lanka are democracies, yet their approaches to power sharing differ significantly.
  • Belgium’s emphasis on accommodating diverse interests stands in contrast to Sri Lanka’s experience, emphasizing the impact of majoritarianism on unity.
• Lessons for Democracy and Unity
  • The experiences of Belgium and Sri Lanka offer valuable lessons for democracies globally.
  • Recognizing and respecting diversity, as seen in Belgium, can contribute to a harmonious coexistence, while majoritarian approaches, as in Sri Lanka, may risk undermining unity.

Why is Power Sharing Desirable?

Conflict Reduction

• Power sharing is instrumental in reducing the likelihood of conflicts between different social groups.
  • By distributing power among various communities or regions, it addresses grievances and promotes a more stable and harmonious society.
  • This prudential approach acknowledges that inclusive governance can lead to better outcomes by mitigating tensions and fostering cooperation.
  • Collaborative decision making involving diverse perspectives tends to be more comprehensive and effective.
  • By considering a range of viewpoints, power sharing mechanisms contribute to informed and well balanced policies, enhancing overall governance.
• Democratic Participation
  • Democratic rule inherently involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise.
  • Citizens have the right to be consulted on how they are governed, emphasizing the importance of their participation in decision making processes.
  • This moral dimension recognizes that powersharing is not just a pragmatic necessity but a fundamental aspect of democratic principles.
  • A comprehensive understanding of power sharing involves integrating both prudential and moral reasons.
  • Recognizing that power sharing not only reduces conflict and enhances outcomes but also upholds democratic principles is crucial for a wellrounded governance philosophy.
  • The synergy of prudential and moral reasons provides a strong foundation for sustainable and inclusive governance.

Forms of Power Sharing

Power sharing, often misunderstood as weakening a nation, is a crucial aspect of modern democracies that ensures inclusive governance. In the past, the belief prevailed that concentrating power in a single entity was essential for quick decision making and enforcement. However, with the evolution of democracy, the notion has shifted. In a democratic framework, people collectively shape public policies, necessitating the distribution of political power among citizens. Modern democracies employ various forms of power sharing to maintain a balance and prevent the concentration of unchecked authority.

Horizontal Power sharing

• Horizontal power sharing distributes authority among different government organs at the same level, like the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
  • It prevents unlimited power by establishing a system of checks and balances, allowing each organ to scrutinize and limit the actions of the others.
  • This separation ensures a balance of power among various government institutions, preventing dominance by any particular branch.
  • In democracies, officials and ministers, though wielding power, are accountable to the Parliament or State Assemblies, ensuring representation and responsiveness to citizens.
  • Judges, appointed by the executive, play a crucial role in overseeing the actions of the executive and legislative branches, ensuring adherence to legal principles and constitutional norms.
• Vertical Power sharing 
  • Vertical power sharing involves the distribution of power between different levels of government, typically a central or national government and regional or local governments.
  • This form of power sharing, often referred to as federalism, allows for the decentralization of authority, with distinct responsibilities assigned to each level of government.
  • Federal structures aim to address diverse regional needs, preferences, and cultural variations within a unified nation.
  • It promotes autonomy and self-governance at the regional or local level, allowing communities to address issues specific to their context.
  • Vertical power sharing prevents the concentration of authority at the central level, contributing to a more inclusive and responsive governance system.
  • Examples include countries with federal systems, where power is shared between a national government and states or provinces, fostering cooperation while maintaining national unity.
• Among Different Communities and linguistic groups 
  • Power sharing extends to social groups, such as religious and linguistic communities, as seen in the example of ‘community government’ in Belgium.
  • Constitutional and legal arrangements in some countries ensure representation for socially weaker sections and women in legislatures and administration, fostering inclusivity.
  • ‘Reserved constituencies’ in assemblies and parliaments provide space for diverse social groups, preventing their alienation from the government and administration.
  • The system aims to give minority communities a fair share in power, acknowledging their unique perspectives and needs.
  • The rotation of class monitors in school is a simplified example of power-sharing at a micro-level, fostering a sense of participation and fairness among students.
  • Unit II will explore various methods of accommodating social diversities, highlighting the importance of inclusive governance in addressing the needs of different communities.
• Among Political parties, pressure groups and movements
  • Power-sharing extends to political entities like political parties, pressure groups, and movements, influencing those in power in a democratic setup.
  • In democracies, citizens must have the freedom to choose from various contenders for power, often taking the form of competition among political parties.
  • The competition among different parties ensures a dynamic distribution of power, preventing its concentration in a single entity and representing diverse ideologies and social groups.
  • Power sharing among political parties can occur directly through alliances, where two or more parties join forces to contest elections and form a coalition government if elected.
  • In democracies, interest groups, representing various sectors like traders, businessmen, industrialists, farmers, and industrial workers, also share governmental power.
  • Their participation may involve being part of governmental committees or influencing the decision-making process, contributing to a more inclusive governance structure.
  • Unit III will delve into the functioning of political parties, providing insights into the mechanisms of power-sharing within democratic systems.