By Muhammad Zamir
Muhammad Zamir, former Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador, Bangladesh
One important truism is that democracy is not only an end in itself but also an important means to other ends. From that point of view the recent efforts by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), based in Stockholm, Sweden, to carefully examine the nexus between democracy and development and how it can contribute towards effective partnership between the European Union and the rest of the world deserves special mention.
The ‘Final Report’ (to be launched at the European Development Days, 23 October, see box) that has emerged from this exercise has assumed special importance because it was the result of intensive and in-depth dialogue with partners in Latin America, in the Arab world, in South Asia and in Southeast Asia.
International IDEA at the European Development Days
Democracy in Development – Global consultations on the EU’s role in democracy building
The annual European Development Days - jointly organized by the European Commission and the EU Presidency - will be held in Stockholm from 22-24 October 2009. This year International IDEA’s report on Democracy in Development – Global consultations on the EU’s role in democracy building will be officially launched and handed over to the Swedish EU Presidency.
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As one approaches the EU Development Day, one has to accept that the European Union stands today for equality in terms of access and opportunity for all its constituent citizens. This thesis is accepted in general because it is accepted that the EU with its democratic political systems is best suited to protect and guarantee human rights and to deliver social and economic development. From that point of view, it is also acknowledged that the democratic process is vital for addressing the political aspect of poverty.
Being accountable to citizens, enable democratic governments to chart a political course supported by people and to be able to change it when needed. This potential is however enhanced when we are able to bring together a broader understanding of democracy through the juxtaposition of the procedural and institutional aspects with the delivery element.
This aspect has assumed special significance with the on-going international financial crisis that has affected large swathes of population in different countries of the developing world. The very question of the ability of democracy to deliver on citizens’ needs and expectations has gradually emerged as a major challenge across the world. Development partners all over the world are now consequently re-examining their experiences over the past decade.
The report prepared by IDEA has acquired importance because of the following factors-Sweden is currently holding the Presidency of the European Council since 1 July this year, because of elections held all over Europe for a new European Parliament and the renewed term of Office of the President of the European Commission.
The result of IDEA’s dialogue is instrumental because it re-affirmed the consensus that development is not only a general improvement of the ‘quality of life’ through GDP growth for the majority of the population but that it also includes the effective fulfillment of human rights, including civic and political rights. It also reiterated that democracy is a value that needs to be pursued not only for its own sake but also as a system of governance that is expected to deliver better opportunities so that citizens can attain a higher standard of living without large disparities in income distribution and the failure of governments to deliver on economic issues and basic services. The report, quite correctly highlights that if care is not taken in this regard, it might seriously affect the credibility of democratic institutions, including that of parliaments and political parties.
In this context, as a stakeholder in the democratic process, residing in South Asia, I believe that the EU needs to translate into practice some of the visionary conclusions arrived at in IDEA’s report. This particularly relates to the facilitation of awareness that countries succeed over time when they invest in developing long-term visions. It would be important for EU to help create the institutions to translate such long-term visions into reality, supporting them and following up.
One factor that could contribute towards this outcome could be the capacity to build consensus on democratic and development goals among the various sectors and components of a society. It will require pro-active engagement and hands-on inter-action through the use of a participatory institutional approach. It is here that IDEA as an institution can play an effective role in relating with non-EU external actors and key external institutions. This required dynamics could be particularly encouraged through the use of already tested partners.
We have to understand that globalization is a reality and that economic, political and strategic challenges are no longer confined within borders. Consequently, there is a need for states and wider civil society to act in cross-regional cooperation to face them. This could then form the basis for achievable policies and efficient action and lead to ‘a realist, zero-sum approach to a positive-sum paradigm’. Such a shift in approach would be of benefit to the EU, be more sustainable and effective and also secure motivation for all parties to buy into the process. This will also provide the platform for more solid partnerships where the EU would be better able to respond to the needs of its partners.
The European Union, particularly Sweden, should not ‘miss this important train’ that has been set into motion by the recommendations that have emerged from the global multi-regional consultation.
Muhammad Zamir is a former Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador, Bangladesh
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