Question

“Despite the mixed record of democratic experiences, the people of South Asian countries share the aspiration for democracy.” Justify the statement with two suitable arguments.

Answer 1

Despite an uneven record of democratic experience, citizens in South Asian countries share a desire for democracy because:

1. Five major countries in the region demonstrated strong support for democracy. India is the world’s largest democracy, whereas Sri Lanka and India have maintained democratic systems since independence from the British.
2. Citizens in South Asia, regardless of class or religion, support democracy and its institutions. They believe it is the best form of government for their countries. Previously, democracy was supposed to develop only in wealthier countries, but the South Asian experience changed that view. Nepal moved from monarchy to democracy, Bhutan followed a similar path and the Maldives went from a sultanate to a multi-party presidential republic.