South Asia, home to over 1.8 billion people and a diverse array of cultures, religions, and political systems, has long been viewed as a region where democracy, despite its challenges, holds sway. From the world’s largest democracy in India to fledgling democracies like Bhutan, South Asia presents a rich political landscape. However, in recent years, the region has seen an alarming democratic backlash. Authoritarian tendencies, rising nationalism, erosion of civil liberties, and weakening democratic institutions are increasingly characterizing the political scene in several countries. This article delves into the causes of this democratic backlash, provides relevant examples, and explores the broader implications for the region and beyond.
Understanding the Democratic Backlash
A democratic backlash refers to a process where democratic institutions, principles, and practices come under attack, often by populist or authoritarian leaders who use their elected power to erode checks and balances, suppress dissent, and undermine the rule of law. In South Asia, this backlash has manifested in various ways, from curbs on freedom of speech and media, manipulation of electoral processes, and weakening of judicial independence to increasing attacks on minority rights and civil society.
1. India: The Erosion of Democratic Norms
India, often hailed as the beacon of democracy in the Global South, is facing serious challenges to its democratic fabric. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), critics argue that India’s democratic institutions have been undermined by the rise of majoritarian politics. The government’s policies have often been marked by an assertive brand of Hindu nationalism, threatening India’s secular democratic framework.
For example, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), passed in 2019, sparked widespread protests across India. The law, which grants fast-track citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from neighboring countries, was viewed by many as discriminatory against Muslims, who make up around 14% of the population. Alongside the CAA, the controversial National Register of Citizens (NRC) further fueled fears that Muslims could be marginalized, disenfranchised, or even rendered stateless.
Moreover, civil liberties and freedom of the press have come under attack. Journalists critical of the government have faced harassment, imprisonment, and even violence. In 2020, India ranked 142nd in the World Press Freedom Index, reflecting the increasingly hostile environment for journalists. Human rights activists and opposition figures have also been targeted through draconian laws like the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), which allows for extended detention without trial. These developments signal a weakening of democratic norms in India, a country that for decades was viewed as an exemplar of democratic resilience despite its enormous social, religious, and linguistic diversity.
2. Pakistan: A History of Civil-Military Tensions
Pakistan’s democracy has always been fragile, characterized by a long history of military coups, political instability, and civil-military tensions. In recent years, the military has continued to play a powerful role in politics, often behind the scenes, despite a nominally civilian government.
In 2018, the election of Imran Khan as Prime Minister was viewed by some as an attempt by the military to regain influence over the civilian administration. Khan’s party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), won a contentious election, with many accusing the military of meddling in the political process to ensure Khan’s victory. While Khan positioned himself as a reformer, critics argue that his government has increasingly cracked down on dissent, free speech, and opposition parties. The military’s dominant role in Pakistan’s foreign policy and internal security matters remains a key factor in the country’s democratic deficit. The recent political turmoil, which saw Imran Khan ousted in 2023 through a vote of no-confidence, underscores the precariousness of Pakistan’s democracy, with many accusing the military of once again orchestrating events behind the scenes.
3. Bangladesh: The Rise of Authoritarianism
In Bangladesh, democracy has become increasingly hollow, with the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accused of eroding democratic institutions and silencing opposition voices. Since coming to power in 2009, Hasina and her party, the Awami League, have steadily consolidated power, often at the expense of political pluralism.
The 2018 general elections were marred by allegations of vote rigging and electoral fraud. Hasina’s party secured an overwhelming victory, winning 288 out of 300 seats in parliament, leading many to question the legitimacy of the electoral process. The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Khaleda Zia, has been systematically weakened through legal challenges, imprisonment of its leaders, and restrictions on political activities.
Furthermore, the government has introduced stringent laws that curtail freedom of speech and the press, such as the Digital Security Act (DSA). This law has been used to arrest journalists, activists, and critics of the government, severely curbing public discourse. The space for civil society in Bangladesh is shrinking, and many fear that the country is sliding toward authoritarianism, despite its democratic veneer.
4. Sri Lanka: Political Instability and Democratic Decline
Sri Lanka’s democratic system has faced severe strain due to political instability and executive overreach. The island nation has experienced significant political turbulence, most notably with the rise of the Rajapaksa family to power. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who became president in 2019, has been accused of authoritarianism and nepotism, with key government positions being filled by members of his family.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rajapaksa government enacted sweeping emergency powers that allowed it to bypass parliament and rule by decree. These actions have raised concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions and the concentration of power in the executive branch. Furthermore, the treatment of minorities, particularly the Tamil and Muslim communities, remains a point of concern, as the government has been accused of pursuing a majoritarian Sinhala-Buddhist agenda. Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, which culminated in widespread protests and the ousting of Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022, underscores the fragility of its democracy. The country is still grappling with political instability, and questions remain about the future of its democratic institutions.
5. Nepal and Bhutan: Democratic Transitions Under Strain
Nepal and Bhutan present somewhat different trajectories, having only recently transitioned to democratic systems. In Nepal, the monarchy was abolished in 2008, leading to the establishment of a federal democratic republic. However, Nepal’s young democracy has been plagued by political infighting, corruption, and instability. Frequent changes in government, often through coalition deals, have hindered effective governance and policy continuity. In Bhutan, democracy is still nascent, with the country holding its first-ever democratic elections in 2008. While Bhutan has managed to maintain a relatively stable political system, there are concerns about the role of the monarchy and the limited scope of democratic participation. Civil society remains underdeveloped, and the political space for dissent is constrained.
Causes of Democratic Backlash in South Asia
Several underlying factors contribute to the democratic backlash observed across South Asia:
Economic Inequality and Governance Failures: Economic disparities, corruption, and poor governance have led to public disillusionment with democratic systems. Populist leaders often exploit these grievances, promising to restore order and deliver economic prosperity, while undermining democratic institutions in the process.
Nationalism and Identity Politics: In countries like India and Sri Lanka, the rise of nationalism and identity-based politics has fueled majoritarianism, with governments marginalizing minority communities and using divisive rhetoric to consolidate power.
Weak Institutions and Lack of Rule of Law: Many South Asian democracies suffer from weak institutions, particularly in the judiciary and law enforcement. This allows for the concentration of power in the hands of political leaders, who often bypass checks and balances to entrench their authority.
External Influences: Geopolitical pressures, such as rising competition between global powers, have also contributed to democratic backsliding. Governments may seek to suppress dissent to present a unified front in the face of external threats or to align with powerful allies, as seen in the military’s influence over Pakistani politics.
Implications of Democratic Backlash
The democratic backlash in South Asia has far-reaching consequences for the region’s future stability, governance, and human rights. As democratic institutions erode, the potential for authoritarianism and conflict increases. This threatens not only domestic stability but also regional cooperation and development. Furthermore, the weakening of democracy undermines efforts to address key challenges such as poverty, corruption, and climate change, as governments become less accountable to their citizens. The suppression of dissent and civil liberties also stifles innovation, creativity, and social progress, with long-term detrimental effects on the region’s socio-economic development.
To conclude, the democratic backlash in South Asia represents a critical challenge for the region’s future. While the causes of this backlash are complex and multifaceted, it is clear that the erosion of democratic norms and institutions poses serious risks to stability, governance, and human rights. To counter this trend, it will be necessary for civil society, political leaders, and the international community to push for reforms that strengthen democratic institutions, promote inclusive governance, and protect civil liberties. Without these efforts, the democratic fabric of South Asia could continue to unravel, with potentially grave consequences for the region and beyond.