Why is institutional democracy so pivotal? This important question has sparked extended academic discussions from various viewpoints. In my numerous scholarly writings and dialogues, I have proposed that democracy is the ideal model that could have been adopted to enhance our daily lives. Furthermore, I have contended that institutional democracy offers a vital avenue for democratic development and reform.
Institutional democracy is present when all key stakeholders within an organisation or its network have the authority to make important decisions regarding its values, objectives, and critical management aspects, despite political interventions.
Mike O'Donnell, a retired Sociology Professor from Westminster University in London, argues that establishing formal mechanisms for public participation in issues affecting daily life could effectively address the apathy and disconnection often seen in liberal democracies.
The idea emphasizes that such measures would lead to a fairer society, reducing the influence of affluent elites over government functioning. However, acknowledging that initiating the reform process poses significant challenges.
It is essential for state executives and political parties to avoid using their power for personal or political gain, ensuring that influential individuals do not unduly sway the state government.
A critical concern is whether a genuine separation between the nation’s elite, crony capitalists, and the government has ever been achieved, and whether the essence or the actual implementation of institutional democracy in Bangladesh has been achieved.
There is an ongoing debate about the impact of crony capitalism on institutional democracy. Crony capitalism is characterized by leveraging political connections for personal benefit and that of one’s associates. The consequences of this phenomenon can be profound, not only in countries like Bangladesh but also in established democracies worldwide.
Notably, the level of institutional democracy needed in Bangladesh appears to be considerably lower than in many nations facing similar issues with crony capitalism.
In Bangladesh, a specific segment of society engages in systematic financial corruption, leading to serious repercussions for the public across various aspects of life. As a result, citizens often find their basic rights compromised due to ineffective institutional services in the country.
Due to crony capitalism, certain players in a particular industry are becoming more robust, and their political connections are strengthening their position in various organizations across the country.
In many cases, such retrograde behaviour brings unpleasant consequences for the ordinary people of the state. This means that a backdoor agreement among a few interested parties collectively preserves the entire state's economic process for their benefit and often disrupts the organisation’s rules, regulations, and norms.
A just society requires the establishment of institutional democracy. In certain countries where the government is well-structured and adheres to democratic principles, there is evidence of institutional autonomy that serves the common people.
However, developing nations face the challenge of fostering institutional democracy amid the influence of geopolitical interests. Furthermore, governments in these developing countries often lack the motivation to democratize their institutions for the benefit of the populace, which results in a detrimental cycle for the nation.
It is important to understand that in some Western countries, democracy has also not been well-practised. Every nation is subject to this criticism, suggesting that significant reforms in democratic practices are a primary concern for many states today.
However, when a country like Bangladesh faces difficulties in implementing the essential principles of institutional democracy at the grassroots level, numerous other issues remain unresolved. Consequently, citizens often find themselves deprived of their fundamental human rights.
Establishing institutional democracy will be a considerable challenge for the upcoming government in Bangladesh, primarily due to years of political division, weakened institutional capacity, and declining public trust.
While Bangladesh has upheld formal democratic frameworks -- such as elections, a constitution, and representative institutions -- the effectiveness and autonomy of vital bodies have continuously been under scrutiny.
Restoring faith in these organizations will be essential for consolidating democracy after a long period of directorial leadership in Bangladesh, which has sapped the spirit of institutional democracy and weakened organizations such as the Election Commission.
One of the primary challenges is ensuring the independence and integrity of electoral institutions. Disputed elections and claims of partisan governance have diminished public confidence in the electoral process.
Regaining trust will necessitate transparent electoral reforms, impartial administration, and authentic political competition. Without reliable elections, institutional democracy cannot operate effectively.
Another significant challenge is the politicization of governmental institutions, which includes the judiciary, civil service, and law enforcement agencies.
When institutions are viewed as extensions of ruling parties rather than neutral protectors of the public interest, accountability diminishes and democratic principles decay.
The next administration must show a firm commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence, and a merit-based administration to reverse this trend. To be well remembered, changing the dress code will not bring actual changes in institutional democracy and their independent capacity to operate if the people of the organizations or their leaders do not change culturally and politically.
In Bangladesh, there is a strong call for establishing institutional democracy. Therefore, enhancing institutional democracy will rely on inclusive governance and civic engagement. Civil society, media, and opposition parties must be permitted to function freely to provide oversight and represent a variety of interests.
In the absence of space for dissent and dialogue, institutions risk becoming ineffective and hollow. The success of the next government will hinge not only on political transformation but also on continuous efforts to rebuild institutions that are autonomous, accountable, and trusted by the citizenry.
Specific policy recommendation
- Enhance institutional independence: Ensure that important governmental entities, including the judiciary, electoral commissions, and agencies focused on anti-corruption, operate free from political influence. This can be accomplished by creating distinct legal frameworks and appointing members through unbiased, transparent methods.
- Advocate for transparency and accountability: Introduce rigorous transparency initiatives in government activities that involve public disclosure of contracts, budgets, and political contributions. Strengthening the Right to Information Act enables citizens to hold officials responsible.
- Promote citizen engagement: Establish formal channels for public involvement in decision-making processes, such as community forums and public consultations, to foster a sense of ownership and participation in governance.
- Address crony capitalism: Implement measures to break down monopolies by reinforcing competition regulations and overseeing lobbying activities. Ensure fair public procurement opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Revise Political Party Frameworks: Promote democratic practices within political parties by encouraging transparent nomination processes and elections to build public confidence.
- Invest in civic education programs: Initiate campaigns that educate citizens about their democratic rights and duties to cultivate a knowledgeable electorate.
- Reinforce anti-corruption initiatives: Improve the functionality of anti-corruption agencies by providing sufficient resources and forming task forces to investigate corruption in both the public and private sectors.
- International collaboration: Partner with other nations and organizations to share best practices for governance and democratic reforms.
Dr ASM Anam Ullah (PhD) is an Australian academic, human rights activist, political analyst, and OHS and industrial relations expert.