It is no secret that it is the thirst for power and taste of power that overwhelm individuals, political parties and organisations that cause most problems and conflicts around the world today as it has been so in the past. In most cases, however, those affected by these impulses, politicians in particular, hide them under various pretexts and false façades. Frequently observed among these pretenses is their concern for public well-being and welfare. Patriotism is often a refuge under which these persons and parties take cover.

The turmoil bedevilling Pakistan today is the latest manifestation of this phenomenon. The other place that continues to receive media attention currently is Myanmar, where the popularly elected leader Aung San Suu kyi has not been given her rightful place. Latest reports, however, say there has been a thawing of her relations with the military regime and agreement reached to share power.

President Pervez Musharraf having wrested power from Nawaz Sharif in a bloodless coup d'etat in 1999 managed to remain in power, having assumed the title of the country's Chief Executive and sweeping people's democratic rights under the carpet. He managed to thwart challenges to his position in courts by getting the Oath of Judges Order 2000 issued. This Order required the Judges to take a fresh oath of office swearing allegiance to military rule and to state they would make no decisions against the military. He also succeeded to a great extent in curbing terrorist activity with the support from the west, particularly from the United States.

President Musharaff is today embroiled in a struggle to retain his position and power. He rides roughshod over the Judiciary and other institutions that continue to give a semblance of democracy. Opposition leaders Benazir Bhuto and Nawaz Sharif had to leave their motherland, as there was no opportunity for exercising their political rights. These two leaders also have not been above board. Allegations of corruption and abuse of power against them were many when they were in the saddle.

US President George Bush who seems to play the role of godfather to Musharaff has now succeeded in exacting assurances from President Musharaf to remove some of the restrictions on democracy and have elections. Reports say that President Musharaf has agreed to have elections in February next year. President Bush was not alone in demanding restoration of democratic rights of the people in Pakistan. All nations and organisations around the world that believe in the democratic way of life and governance were swift to come strongly against the suppression of democracy in the country.

These countries believe democracy is the political system that allows best for the free exercise of individual rights. They acknowledge the importance of providing for individual freedom even if that freedom turns out to be liberty for self-destruction.

It is, however, no secret that although these countries accept this system of government they too fail occasionally to follow basic principles of democracy. They, however, are quick to take up arms whenever any assault on democracy takes place in any part of the world.

It is in the light of this global trend that we in Sri Lanka also have to understand the various attempts made by foreign countries and organisations to dictate to us as to how our problems affecting individual rights and freedoms, should be solved. The turbulent events occurring in various parts of the world have to be taken serious note of by our politicians too.

It is clearly evident that most problems in this country also arise from the politicians' craving for power or remaining in power. It is observed that those who get accustomed to using power and authority develop egos that make them cling on to them at any cost. They begin to suspect that all others are in constant conspiracy to rob them of their positions. They tend to regard even constructive criticism or comments touching upon their actions or policies as those aimed at destroying the image of their parties or organisations.

When politicians develop such tendencies, they deviate from cherished democratic principles such as tolerance and tend to adopt combative attitudes towards their political opponents and adversaries. It is evident that democratic institutions fail when those involved in running them are not those who have adopted democracy as a way of life.

(Courtesy: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka))