Political crises grip most part of S Asia

Most of the south Asian nations at present seem to be in the threshold of political crises. Largest of these countries, India, which is going to national elections early next year, is experiencing domestic problems stemming from some developments. The developments include the emergence of a dynamic, but largely seen as "communal" politician, Narendra Modi as a strong contender for prime minister ship, ambivalence of the ruling Congress on clearly deciding on its nominee for the position, the setback of the Congress in recent state assembly polls and a string of corruption related scandals. These issues have made the Indian political scenario quite tense ahead of the coming voting.
Nepal, the Himalayan nation is going through serious political instability in recent years following remarkable developments like the abolition of the monarchy and introduction of the Westminster system of democracy. However, the democracy has not been fully utilised by the politicians for the welfare of the people and consequently, the nation remains politically unstable. There has been several governments in the country and the recent national elections have not been able to resolve the political uncertainty. It is not clear when the new constituent assembly, which will also act as parliament, will be able to make its maiden session since the former ruler Maoist communist party and some other organisations are contesting the results of the November 19 polls as "unfair and rigged".  
Sri Lanka is witnessing unstable condition despite the fact that President Mahinda Rajapakse has strong grip over power. Several issues including the allegations of human rights violations by the authorities have become a disconcerting matter both at national and international levels. The conference of the Commonwealth heads of government in this November was overshadowed by the accusations of human rights violations by the Colombo authorities. Several key leaders of the Commonwealth including India and Kenya stayed away from the gathering while people allege that the presidency has accumulated too much powers in the hand. The recent elections in the Tamil-dominated northern region saw an overwhelming victory -- as expected -- by the parties of minority Tamils and this makes the future governance in the area a sensitive task for the government, which is dragging its foot in granting promised powers to the Tamil dominated region.
 Bangladesh, to say the least, is passing through a critical phase politically with the immediate future of the nation remaining shrouded in uncertainty as confrontation between the government and the opposition is becoming increasingly inevitable unless something unexpectedly reverses the dangerous trend. With only five days left for the next general elections the diametrically opposite positions adopted by the two sides over the issue of  under which authority will the next polls take place, things are becoming too volatile. Efforts for a settlement of the bone of contention at both national and international levels have failed to made a headway until the writing of this piece. However, expectations were also running high that something positive might develop even at this stage. All are keeping their fingers crossed about the shape of things to come while the government and the opposition seem to be taking "ride and comfort" at their stubbornness and intransigence, turning a blind eye to people's concern and anxiety.
The smallest of the south Asian countries in terms of population -- the Maldives -- was embroiled in a uncertain political course over the presidential elections. However, finally, an elected head of state has taken over following bitter acrimony among the political parties. It remains to be seen whether the situation stabilises there.
Afghanistan is preparing for the next presidential polls in April next year and as the incumbent president will not be a contestant any longer because of restrictions by the constitution, the future picture of the war-ravaged nations could be further difficult. The fact that the NATO troops are to leave the country by 2014 may makes the war-condition in Afghanistan more complex.
Nations -- ranging from India to Maldives -- are experiencing political problems, creating serious uncertainties about their political stability. Consequently, their developmental activities are also being severely affected the one hand and the people are getting disenchanted with the governance at varying degrees on the other. True, all the nations are democratic and constitutionally formed. Nevertheless, the irony is that authorities are not being able to provide the kind of the governance that their peoples are looking for from the representative governments. Furthermore, the sensational cases of corruption that are coming to the fore in most of these countries are seriously rocking the boat and the masses seem to be worried about the shape of things to come in the days ahead. Indeed, it is a sordid spectacle even though there have been achievements in different fields. The bottom line is that a kind of frustration is creeping into the psyche and this scenario is witnessed often in south Asian region regardless of the fact which political parties are in power in their respective countries.
In Bangladesh, government-opposition relations have nosedived in recent times on several other issues including a critically important subject. Which form of government would preside over the next general elections is now the crux of the crisis. The ruling circles want the balloting to be held under the present government with a little variation and earlier amended the constitution in that direction replacing the "caretaker" administration. But the opposition is hell bent on restoring the earlier system. Two sides are already in confrontational course on the issue while some other potentially divisive issues like the allegations of financial malpractices in different sectors have further queered the pitch between two sides. The government can derive some satisfaction from some good job done including trial of the accused of war crimes even though there exist varying views on the issue.
It is now almost certain that Bangladesh is set to witness political problems -- if not turmoil -- in the days to come unless the situation somewhat dramatically improves. Unquestionably, people are worried and anxious about the turn of events for understandable reasons and it is the political situation that is now on the lips of the people in the country.
Pakistan, which often witnesses political turmoil, is incidentally, relatively calm at the moment following the last elections that have seen a stable government come to power. Small Himalayan country of Bhutan largely remains free from political disturbance and this is also true at the moment being the "Oasis" in the south Asian "desert".
Undeniably, the focus of the south Asian situation currently is on Bangladesh because of the deepening political crisis and it remains to be seen whether the political leaders can overcome this escalating dangerous condition by demonstrating wisdom and sagacity, remaining above narrow personal, party and other interests. They need to convince the people that "politics" is for the larger good of the nation and not just for remaining in power or going to power. Failing to accomplish this may be fraught with situation of unimaginable proportions.
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The writer is Advisory Editor
of the FE. He can be reached
at: [email protected]