I also think I support Musharraf’s intention to stay in power and am willing to forgive his autocratic moves for the time being. Why? Because countries like Iraq (and a few others I can think of) have taught the world a very important lesson in recent years.
Abhi at Sepia Mutiny defends the Musharraf-imposed emergency in Pakistan.
However, disagreement isn’t far away. Amardeep, his fellow blogger at Sepia Mutiny begs to differ by defending substantive democracy.
Substantive democracy, as I understand it, is not just democratic elections; it requires a whole range of institutions that provide meaningful checks and balances on power. Executive authority (a president or a dictator) needs to be subject to legislative and judicial challenges.
DesiPundit contributor and political commentator, Rohit at Retributions: National Interest joins Amardeep in disagreeing with Abhi’s premise and indulges in good ol’ fisking.
Why should lawyers need to convince anyone, least of the all common people of Pakistan. The correct forum to judge Musharaf’s popular support would have been the ballot box. That the general is not ready to face this test points to the degree of popular support he enjoys.
Stimulating discussion overall.
Comments
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Pradeep
Nov 7th, 2007 at 5:42 am | #
Times have changed in Pakistan eversince Musharraf took over. This emergency is in a different context. Democracy is a very good concept, no doubt, but it’s effective only if the society is mature enough. I would prefer orderliness, discipline and progress over anarchy. I don’t think the means is as important as this end.