Democracy works

This refers to the article ‘Continuity’ (December 1, 2024) by Dr Farrukh Saleem. The writer argues that Pakistanis desperately need stability, predictability and, above all, continuity of policies for sustainable growth. The writer gives the examples of four East Asian countries that have benefited from stable if rather anti-democratic modes of governance. However, four countries is not a representative sample and there are many more developing countries that have not benefited economically from similar modes of governance. Meanwhile, almost all the leading developed countries like have regular elections and change of government every four or five years and are continuing to grow. The concluding recipe for national success: free and fair elections. Political parties should have their policies declared before elections and there should only be a four-year period between elections.

Abdul Majeed

Islamabad