When the US decided to topple the Taliban in 2001 in punishment of sheltering America’s enemy number one, it was welcomed with open arms by the people of this ill-fated land. However, as the war has entered its 13th year, the emotional quotient is nowhere on ground. Democracy is considered to be the product of the US onslaught, but given the free spirit and nature of Afghans, it could be concluded that though democracy was not their polity but they have been world’s most democratic people for their personal freedom. However, after the passage of 13 years of the ouster of the Taliban, the democratic setup is still lagging far behind in demonstrating maturity which is quite visible from the too many presidential candidates. In matured democracies there are just a few presidential candidates so that voters are not polarized, albeit here too many candidates have jumped into the race. This unconventional multiplicity of candidates never transpires in other democratic giants like India, and people are offered a maximum of four candidates to vote for. This immaculate process avoids schism among multiple ethnicities and communities and consolidates their votes.
The Council of Understanding of Shura-e-Tafahum, aimed at reducing the number of presidential hopefuls through a consensus, on Wednesday acknowledged its failure to bring the contenders together for a discussion. The council had been busy for the past three months, but the hopefuls’ obduracy didn’t let its efforts succeed. The 14-member jirga, comprising of tribal and religious leaders from across Afghanistan, has been formed by ex-Afghan President Sibghatullah Mujaddedi. Until now, many of the people were confident that the council’s efforts will bear fruits, but its acknowledgment of its failure has left many dejected. Could the council succeed, it would have opened a new chapter in the democratic history of the country. Too many candidates will divide voters at such a critical time when the country needs national unity. The nation cannot tolerate any polarization in the name of ethnic identities and tribal affiliation as the country is passing through a critical phase where Kabul has already locked its horns with a power like the US over a crucial security deal. Moreover, in the wake of withdrawal of foreign forces by the end of this year, we will need national unity instead of polarization. Besides, a reduced number of presidential candidates means reduced elections costs as the vote wouldn’t go to a second round. Commentariats predict that polls may go to second round, because none of the contenders seem to attain the 50 percent plus one vote margin needed to cast off a runoff, but when they are persistent on their own obduracy, what will come of democracy.
We should all know that other than democracy there is no beneficial polity. But given that our political leaders demonstrate political maturity as democracy has the inborn quality to wield us all as a united nation and iron out our difference and grievances. But we must remember that democracy works when given time to develop, mature and deliver, but how our democracy will pick maturity when there is a mad race for presidential slot and there are too many hopefuls. Under democracy people must have access to information for informed debate, and government institutions should treat citizens fairly, and with dignity, while addressing their needs, without torturing their ego. However, given that our political leaders demonstrate political immaturity how they will form a mature democracy and infallible state institutions. Their immaturity shows there will be no place for intellectualism as anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by centuries-old notions of tribal mindset and ethnic tensions. The problem is that our collective thinking is usually short-lived and we ourselves are fickle. With poor memories and great gift of self-destruction, how we could form a lasting and promising democracy where our leaders are failing in showing maturity.
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