Introduction

• Power-sharing is the distribution of power among different organs and levels of government to prevent the misuse of power.
• It is a fundamental principle of democracy that ensures participation, stability, and fairness.
• The chapter begins with case studies of Belgium and Sri Lanka to highlight the importance of power-sharing.

Case Study: Belgium – A Need for Power Sharing

• Belgium is a small European country with a population of 11 million people.
• It has ethnic diversity:
  • Flemish (Dutch-speaking) – 59%
  • Walloons (French-speaking) – 40%
  • German-speaking – 1%

Conflict in Belgium

• French-speaking people were wealthier and dominated politics and economy, leading to resentment among Dutch-speaking people.
• This created tensions between the Dutch-speaking majority and French-speaking minority.

Belgium’s Power-Sharing Model

To resolve conflicts, Belgium adopted a complex power-sharing arrangement:

• Equal representation in government – Both Dutch and French-speaking groups were given equal representation in the central government.
• State Governments – Regional governments were given autonomy to make decisions.
• Community Government – Separate community governments were established for different language groups to manage their own cultural and educational affairs.
• This power-sharing model helped Belgium maintain unity and stability.

Sri Lanka – A Failure in Power Sharing

• Sri Lanka is an island nation in South Asia with a population of 22 million.
• It has two main ethnic groups:
  • Sinhala (74%) – Buddhist
  • Tamil (18%) – Hindu and Muslim

Conflict in Sri Lanka

• After independence in 1948, the Sinhala majority dominated the government.
• Discriminatory policies were introduced:
  • Sinhala was made the official language.
  • Tamils were denied government jobs and education opportunities.
  • Buddhism was given special status.

Consequences of Denying Power Sharing

• The Tamils demanded equal rights but were ignored.
• This led to civil war (1983-2009) between the government and the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam).
• The war caused loss of lives and economic damage.
• Lack of power-sharing leads to conflict and instability.

Why is Power Sharing Desirable?

Prudential Reasons (Practical Benefits)

• Prevents conflicts and political instability.
• Protects the rights of minorities.
• Promotes stability and unity in society.
• Example: Belgium’s power-sharing model helped maintain peace.

Moral Reasons (Ethical Benefits)

• Power-sharing upholds democracy and ensures that everyone has a voice in decision-making.
• It promotes equal participation of all communities in governance.

Forms of Power Sharing

Horizontal Power Sharing (Among Different Organs of Government)

• Power is shared among different branches of government – Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.
• Example: In India,
  • Parliament (Legislature) makes laws.
  • Government (Executive) implements laws.
  • Supreme Court (Judiciary) ensures laws are followed.
• Advantage: Prevents concentration of power and allows checks and balances.
• Example: The Supreme Court can declare a law unconstitutional, limiting the power of Parliament.

Vertical Power Sharing (Among Different Levels of Government)

• Power is divided between Central, State, and Local governments.
• Example:
  • Union Government (Central) – Handles national matters (defense, foreign policy).
  • State Governments – Manage state-level issues (education, police).
  • Local Governments – Handle local affairs (village development, sanitation).
• Advantage:
  • Reduces burden on central government.
  • Allows better governance at the local level.

Power Sharing Among Social Groups

• Power is shared among different social and religious groups to ensure equal participation.
• Examples:
  • Reservation system in India – SCs, STs, and OBCs have reserved seats in legislatures.
  • Community government in Belgium – Different language groups manage their cultural affairs.
• Advantage: Prevents social conflicts and discrimination.

Power Sharing Among Political Parties, Pressure Groups, and Movements

• Political parties share power by forming coalitions.
• Example: India has coalition governments where multiple parties share responsibilities.
• Pressure groups and social movements also influence decision-making.
• Example: Trade Unions, Farmers’ Associations, and Environmental Groups.

Power Sharing Strengthens Democracy

• Power-sharing ensures peace, stability, and fairness.
• It prevents conflicts and dictatorship.
• It promotes inclusion, equality, and democratic participation.

Conclusion

• Power-sharing prevents conflicts and promotes stability.
• Belgium successfully implemented power-sharing, while Sri Lanka failed, leading to civil war.
• Power-sharing is necessary for both practical and moral reasons.
• Forms of power-sharing include:
  • Horizontal (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary).
  • Vertical (Central, State, Local governments).
  • Social group-based (Reservation system, community government).
  • Political parties and pressure groups (Coalition governments, interest groups).