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The concept of having to hold elections to give government’s credibility unravelled a fraction with Afghanistan’s decision to postpone its parliamentary elections for four months. It shows up the paradoxical ideology advocated by Western democracies who pushed for the postponement — after the chaos of the presidential elections in August. Elections are all very well, but they must be held in an environment where they work.
2 Responses to “Paradoxical ideology”
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January 26th, 2010 at 5:00 pm
Dear Humphrey,
It’s been 20 years since our Manila days and now we find each other on opposite sides of the democracy debate! Well, not really opposite in that sensible democracy promotion adds an important ingredient that is often lacking in policy prescriptions – patience. Building a culture of democracy must accompany the building of the institutions of democracy. One supports the other. Changing culture takes time, perhaps measured in generational terms. We need to stay patient.
Roland
January 28th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
How good to hear from you. Are you New York based with UNDEF? We are on exactly the same side, I think, and I keep asking the as yet unanswered question. How should a society be governed in that vulnerable period of institution building — Iraq-style, Taiwan-style of post-conflict Bosnia-style.