Good governance can make SAARC collectively stronger

So good governance that brings welfare to the people is now a much-talked about issue and this is especially relevant in South Asia where most people are mired in poverty and are struggling to improve their miserable condition of life. For the SAARC, this is a matter that warrants considerable attention both nationally and in the context of regional approach so that collective efforts for progress of the region is made possible. Every sovereign nation has the right to govern its own affairs without outside interference, and as such the issue of good governance when talked about in no way means meddling in the affairs of a country

unless there is reason to feel it as interference in internal affairs. It is a matter of common knowledge that any country can come for discussion in both positive and negative manner in relation to its internal affairs. And in this broad parameter, such discussions in a constructive spirit leave good impact for a country. For the South Asian region, good management of the affairs of a member nation is receiving wider attention and it is imperative that good governance characterise the region for the sake of the all round development of individual countries and in turn of the SAARC as a whole.

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Governance is a terminology that is acquiring larger usage and significance in recent times, but it is, by no means, a new phenomenon. A good rule that essentially signifies the welfare and betterment of a state and its populace, is broadly characterised as good governance. It is no surprise that the expression is generally associated with democracies, whatever be its form presidential or Westminster.

When, the last century, in democracy flourished, governance and accountability emerged as an unavoidable and indispensable ingredient of a state run by a representative authority. Different per-

sonalities-cum-polimicists as John Locke, Edmund Burke, John Struart Mill and Michael Foot have touched the matter in many ways. There can be varying interpretations about governance, but there is hardly any doubt that its positive aspects have encouraged the kind of rule which is desirable. "Governance is the sum of many ways individuals and institutions, public and private, manage their common affairs. It is a continuing process through which conflicting and diverse interests may be accommodated and cooperative actions taken. It include formal institutions and regimes empowered to enforce compliance, as well as informal arrangements that people or institutions either have agreed to or perceive to be in their interest", according to "Our global neighbourhood" a report on global governance.

The subject "good governance and accountability" is a much talked about issue in the developing countries, particularly where the democratic system of rule is practiced. It is because the expectations from a representative authority is much higher than any other from of authority for the simple reason that people pin great hopes on the government which they choose themselves to govern them. In other forms of government like autocracy, monarchy, military dictatorship, one-party system scant opportunities exist for reflection of people's will in running a nation. By stark contrast, democracy pledges a "government by the people, of the people and for the people" and the enormity of expectations of the electorate from such a government is well understood.

True, democratic governments too have many pitfalls and many political scientists opine that these are not also fully ideal form of rule. Nevertheless, they agree that so far no other system has evolved which is better than the democratic one and as such a government chosen by the people by exercising their right of free will and precious choice unquestionably remains the best available pattern of governance till today. When such an authority takes over, all its activities as regards performance, mainly how the country is governed, come under strict observation and scrutiny of the people as a logical corollary of the character of a people's government. Consequently, a government in a democratic environment come under immense obligation in meeting the hopes and aspirations of the voters and cannot afford to turn a blind eye to this aspect.

Democracy is practiced in developed, developing and least developed countries (LDC's). The effective functioning of a representative government is inseparably linked with strong foundation of democratic institutions which have found firm roots in the developed world. Many developing and LDC nations are struggling to provide a sound shape to the system but at times failures unfortunately create some negative impression about the system itself in some countries. But what is admirable is that this situation notwithstanding, these democracies, in most cases, are sparing no efforts to strengthen and consolidate pattern of people's authority. Good governance remains a critically important issue for a nation on one hand and collectively on a regional scale on the other. And this applies to South Asia.

It is important to note that South Asia is on the verge of remarkable economic take off and this is now widely assumed that this region along with China will play the dominant role in the global economic field in the next one or two decades. South Asian nations, India and also to an extent Pakistan, are making significant progress towards this end. Bangladesh and other smaller countries are also showing prospects and these are encouraging signs as their rate is largely commendable. Internal strike is affecting Sri Lanka and Nepal. Sound policies and good governance can help transition to effective progress and development. There is no room for slackening and all efforts must be made towards economic progress which will hopefully result in the better socio-economic conditions for the South Asian people as a whole. The SAARC in different events like the summits is putting special emphasis on progress both at national and regional level for the simple reason that this will meaningfully help collective welfare. This is of paramount importance for regional progress.

Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury is a senior journalist.