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Power Sharing Lessons from Belgium and Sri Lanka

Apr 8, 2025

Power Sharing in Democracy

Introduction

  • Focus: Study of power sharing in democracy through examples of Belgium and Sri Lanka.
  • Importance: Understanding how power is shared among government branches.

Case Study: Belgium

  • Geography: Small European country sharing borders with France, Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg.
  • Population: Over 1 crore (CR), smaller than Haryana, India.
    • 59% in Flemish region (speak Dutch).
    • 40% in Wallonia region (speak French).
    • 1% speak German.
    • In Brussels: 80% speak French, 20% Dutch.
  • Conflict: Disparities led to tension (1950s-1960s) between Dutch and French speakers.
    • Dutch speaking majority felt marginalized in Brussels.

Case Study: Sri Lanka

  • Geography: Island nation near Tamil Nadu, India.
  • Population: About 2 CR, similar to Haryana.
    • Ethnic groups: 74% Sinhala, 18% Tamil (including Sri Lankan and Indian Tamils).
  • Religious Diversity: Predominantly Buddhists, Tamil Hindus/Muslims, some Christians.
  • Conflict: Sinhala majority imposed dominance, leading to Tamil alienation.

Handling Diversity and Conflict

Sri Lanka: Majoritarianism

  • Post-Independence (1948): Sinhala domination.
  • 1956 Act: Sinhala as the only official language; preferential policies for Sinhala.
  • Constitution: Promoted Buddhism, sidelining Tamil interests.
  • Result: Tamil demands for language recognition, regional autonomy denied.
  • Civil War: Escalated into civil war by 1980s, ending in 2009 with long-lasting damages.

Belgium: Accommodation

  • Constitutional Amendments: Recognized diversity, amended constitution four times (1970-1993).
  • Key Features:
    • Equal representation in central government.
    • State governments with significant powers.
    • Brussels with a separate government for equal community representation.
    • Established community government for language and cultural management.
  • Success: Avoided conflict, became EU headquarters.

Lessons from Belgium and Sri Lanka

  • Belgium:
    • Power sharing fosters unity and avoids conflict.
    • Respected diversity and made mutually acceptable arrangements.
  • Sri Lanka:
    • Majoritarian dominance led to division and civil war.

Importance of Power Sharing

  • Desirable for Two Reasons:
    • Prudential: Reduces social conflict, ensures stability.
    • Moral: Reflects democracy, involves people in governance.

Forms of Power Sharing

  1. Horizontal Distribution: Among government branches (legislature, executive, judiciary) - checks and balances.
  2. Vertical Division: Across levels of government (central, state, local).
  3. Social Group Power Sharing: Inclusion of minorities, religious groups, women.
  4. Political Parties and Pressure Groups:
  • Power shared through elections, coalitions.
    • Pressure groups influence decisions.

Benefits of Power Sharing

  1. Prevents Domination: No single group can dominate.
  2. Respects Diversity: Ensures representation.
  3. Strengthens Democracy: Ensures fairness and stability.

Conclusion

  • Belgium: Successful power sharing led to unity.
  • Sri Lanka: Lack of power sharing led to instability.
  • Overall: Power sharing is essential for a balanced and conflict-free democracy.

Note: The lecture emphasized the importance of power sharing in maintaining peace and unity within diverse nations.

Full transcript