Power Sharing Notes

Power Sharing

Case Study of Belgium

  • Belgium is a small European country bordering France, Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg.

  • Its ethnic composition is complex, with:

  • 59% Flemish region (Dutch-speaking)

40% Wallonia region (French-speaking)

  • 1% Others (German-speaking)

  • Brussels, the capital, has 80% French-speaking and 20% Dutch-speaking population.

Case Study of Sri Lanka

  • Sri Lanka is an island nation off the southern coast of Tamil Nadu.

  • Ethnic communities:

    • 74% Sinhala speakers

    • 18% Tamil speakers (Sri Lankan Tamils and Indian Tamils)

    • 8% Others (Muslim)

  • Sri Lanka became independent in 1948.

  • The government adopted majoritarian measures, establishing Sinhala supremacy.

  • In 1956, an act declared Sinhala as the official language.

  • Preference was given to Sinhala applicants for university and government jobs.

Accommodation in Belgium

  • Belgian leaders recognized regional differences and cultural diversities.

  • The constitution was amended four times between 1970 and 1993.

Elements of the Belgian Model

  • The constitution mandates an equal number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers in the central government.

  • State governments are not subordinate to the central government.

  • Brussels has a separate government with equal representation for both communities.

  • A “community government” is elected by the people.

Why Power Sharing?

  • Power sharing is desirable for prudential and moral reasons.

  • It helps reduce conflicts between social groups.

  • Imposing the will of the majority undermines national unity.

  • Power sharing is the spirit of democracy.

  • Democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise.

Khalil's Suggestion

  • Khalil suggests an election (referendum) where everyone can participate, regardless of community.

  • The person with the most votes should be elected president.

Forms of Power Sharing

  • Power sharing among different organs of the government (horizontal distribution).

    • System of checks and balances ensures no organ has unlimited powers.

  • Power sharing among governments at different levels (Federal Government).

    • Example: Central or Union Government in India.

  • Power sharing among different social groups (Community Government).

    • Gives a place in government to diverse social groups who feel ignored.

    • Aims to give fair share in power to minority communities.

  • Power sharing among political parties, pressure groups, etc.

    • Citizens have the freedom to choose from various contenders.

    • Competition ensures power does not remain in one hand.

  • Other types of power sharing:

    • Referendum

    • Decentralization

    • Bicameral

Conclusion

  • Democracy requires an intelligent sharing of power among the legislature, executive, and judiciary.

  • Stories from Belgium and Sri Lanka illustrate how democracies handle demands for power-sharing.