Dr NoourAli Zehgeer
Parliamentary democracy, grounded in moral values, tolerance, and discipline, forms the backbone of a civilized society. Its essence lies not only in the freedom it provides but in the ethical behavior, respect for others and responsibility it fosters among leaders. These principles ensure that representatives function as role models and exemplify ideals for public conduct. However, recent trends and incidents within political institutions have highlighted the steady erosion of these values, raising concerns about the future of our democracy.
Assembly in Chaos: Hopes Dashed by Unparliamentary Behavior
As the assembly session began, citizens had high hopes, especially in light of the challenging times they face. However, instead of focusing on the pressing issues of the people, the elected representatives turned the assembly into a battleground of chaos from day one. When PDP’s Waheed Para introduced a resolution challenging the abrogation of Article 370, the assembly erupted into disorder. What could have been a platform for meaningful discussion quickly deteriorated, with abusive language echoing across the hall. The situation escalated to a point where even an MLA from the National Conference (NC) showed a middle finger, and People’s Conference (PC) leader Sajad Lone physically attacked another legislator. Such displays of aggression and disrespect are deeply disappointing, showing a stark decline in the values that should define parliamentary conduct.
Erosion of Dignity and Public Trust
Incidents like this reflect deeper systemic issues. In a democratic framework, public representatives are entrusted with upholding values that maintain the nation’s dignity. When they engage in disrespectful behavior, it questions not only their integrity but the integrity of the institution they represent. Disparaging a respected figure, especially a religious leader, carries broader implications beyond personal vendettas. Such actions can deeply offend the collective sensibilities of the public, undermining trust in both the individuals involved and the institution itself. In a system meant to represent unity, decorum and inclusiveness, actions that contradict these ideals undermine its purpose and relevance.
Expected Consequences: A Test of Accountability
Given the gravity of the offense, the public had every right to expect the political party involved to take swift and decisive action. Ethical governance and accountability demand that any representative who undermines the dignity of parliament be held responsible. Ideally, the party should have removed the individual from their position and expelled them to signal its commitment to democratic values. Such steps would have reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of democracy, where no one is above the law, and where public service is a privilege, not an entitlement.
Unfortunately, the party took a different route, allowing the individual to retain party membership and even facilitating their re-election to parliament. Reports now indicate that this former speaker’s son has also gained a seat in the current assembly. This not only signals a lack of accountability but also legitimizes misconduct, sending a disheartening message that offensive behavior is not just tolerated but potentially rewarded.
The Role of Political Parties in Shaping Public Behavior
Political parties hold immense power in shaping national values. By ignoring misconduct and prioritizing political expediency, parties set a dangerous precedent. They inadvertently encourage other members to follow the same path, creating an environment where thuggery, disrespect, and moral compromise become acceptable paths to power.
Political parties also act as the guiding bodies for future leaders. When they endorse individuals with a history of misconduct, it suggests that unethical behavior is irrelevant to political success. Aspiring politicians observe these actions and may come to believe that adopting similar tactics will ensure their rise within the party. If parties openly ignore or condone unethical behavior, they sacrifice long-term public respect for short-term gains, damaging the moral fabric of both the party and the nation.
Consequences on Youth and Society
The implications of encouraging unethical behavior among political representatives extend far beyond the halls of parliament. Young people, who look to these figures as models of leadership, see that political success can come through dishonesty, disrespect and manipulation. Such lessons deeply affect their views on ethics, authority, and fairness. When they witness elected officials engaging in or excusing unethical conduct, it can breed cynicism, frustration and even hostility toward public institutions. Disillusioned with traditional pathways to success, these young minds might reject ethical principles, which can have significant, far-reaching effects on social cohesion and public morale.
The ripple effect of this disillusionment manifests in everyday life. As unethical behaviors become normalized at the highest levels, similar patterns emerge at lower levels of government, in businesses, and in communities. A society that sees its leaders engaging in or condoning unacceptable behavior may feel less compelled to follow the law, respect others or strive for honesty. Ultimately, this normalization leads to a breakdown of social order, where citizens feel less bound to uphold standards and more likely to act in self-interest.
Steps to Uphold Democratic and Ethical Values
To restore and protect the integrity of our parliamentary democracy, immediate and concrete steps are necessary. Political parties must recognize that their representatives’ actions shape public perception and that tolerating or ignoring misconduct is a betrayal of public trust. A few critical steps can help restore faith in the system and ensure accountability:
1. Enforce Accountability: Political parties must hold their members accountable for any actions that compromise parliamentary integrity. Removing individuals from influential positions due to misconduct signals that such behavior is unacceptable and reinforces the importance of ethical conduct.
2. Establish Clear Conduct Standards: Political institutions need to set and enforce standards of behavior, especially for elected representatives. Codes of conduct should outline clear expectations, with consequences for those who violate them.
3. Educate and Mentor Aspiring Politicians: Political parties have a duty to instill democratic values in the next generation of leaders. By creating programs that emphasize ethics, responsibility, and public service, parties can foster leaders committed to these ideals.
4. Encourage Public Involvement: Voters need to engage actively with the political process, demanding transparency and accountability from their representatives. They should evaluate candidates based on their commitment to public service, ethical conduct, and parliamentary values.
5. Promote Ethical Role Models: Political parties should elevate members who exemplify integrity, professionalism, and respect. Celebrating leaders who uphold democratic values can create positive role models and counter the effects of unethical behavior.
6. Revitalize Political Discourse: In a society where respect for others and tolerance is diminishing, restoring these values in political discourse is vital. Leaders should encourage dialogue rooted in mutual respect and integrity, setting an example for both peers and the public.
The decline of parliamentary values and the encouragement of unethical behavior are deeply troubling for any democracy. When political parties and representatives prioritize personal gain over public interest, they betray the principles of democracy and weaken the institutions they are entrusted to uphold. The public and the youth look to these leaders for guidance, inspiration and examples of ethical conduct. Normalizing unethical behavior at the highest levels of government can only erode societal trust, respect, and moral integrity.
The responsibility to preserve the dignity and respect of parliament lies not only with the representatives but also with the citizens who choose them. By demanding accountability and exercising caution in elections, the public can pressure parties to uphold democratic values. This proactive involvement is crucial for maintaining a strong, just and democratic society. Only through these collective efforts can we hope to protect parliamentary traditions, reinforce social values and secure the foundations of our democratic system for generations to come.
