Power Sharing in Democracy

Overview

• Focus on power sharing in democracy, using Belgium and Sri Lanka as case studies.
• Analysis of political situations in both countries to understand the importance of power sharing.

Belgium's Political Situation

• Geography & Demographics:
  • Small European country bordering France, Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg.
  • Population over 1 million; diverse language groups.
  • 59% speak Dutch, 40% French, 1% German.
  • Brussels: 80% French-speaking, 20% Dutch-speaking.
• Ethnic Tensions:
  • French community wealthier and more powerful than Dutch.
  • Dutch speakers felt marginalized, leading to tensions in the 1950s-60s.
  • Conflict potential due to ethnic mix and power imbalance.

Sri Lanka's Political Situation

• Geography & Demographics:
  • Island nation near India; population about 2 million.
  • Major ethnic groups: Sinhala (74%) and Tamil (18%).
  • Tamil sub-groups: Sri Lankan Tamils (13%), Indian Tamils.
• Religious Diversity:
  • Sinhala: mostly Buddhists.
  • Tamils: mainly Hindus or Muslims.
  • Christians: 7% across both ethnic groups.
• Potential Conflicts:
  • Sinhala majority could dominate, creating deeper conflicts.

Conflict and Resolution

Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka

• Steps to Conflict:
  • Independence in 1948.
  • Sinhala leaders dominated government.
  • 1956: Sinhala-only official language act.
  • Preferential policies for Sinhala in education/jobs, promoting Buddhism.
• Impact on Tamils:
  • Feeling of alienation, denial of rights.
  • Demand for official language status, regional autonomy, equality.
• Government Reaction:
  • Continuous denial of Tamil demands, leading to frustration and demand for separate state.
• Civil War:
  • Distrust led to civil war, with extensive loss of life and displacement.
  • War ended in 2009, but long-lasting damages.

Accommodation in Belgium

• Steps Taken:
  • Recognition of diversity and amendment of the constitution four times.
• Belgian Model Features:
  • Equal representation in government.
  • Special laws requiring majority approval from both communities.
  • State governments with significant powers.
  • Special government in Brussels with equal representation.
  • Community government managing cultural, educational, and language issues.
• Success:
  • Prevented conflict, maintained unity.
  • Brussels as EU headquarters symbolizes success.

Lessons Learned

• Comparison:
  • Belgium: Cooperation and power sharing prevented division.
  • Sri Lanka: Dominance led to civil war and suffering.
• Conclusions:
  • Democracy thrives with respect and inclusivity in power sharing.
  • Power sharing prevents domination, respects diversity, and strengthens democracy.

Forms of Power Sharing

• Horizontal Distribution: Power among government branches (legislature, executive, judiciary).
• Vertical Division: Power across different government levels (central, state, local).
• Social Group Sharing: Power shared with minorities and social groups to prevent alienation.
• Political Parties and Pressure Groups: Share power through elections and influence.

Benefits of Power Sharing

1. Prevents domination by any one group.
2. Respects diversity and provides representation.
3. Strengthens democracy by ensuring stability and fairness.

Conclusion

• Power sharing is crucial for democratic balance, conflict avoidance, and national unity.