Power-sharing

Belgium and Sri Lanka

Belgium

Europe

Size < Haryana

Population = Just Above 1 crore = 1/2 Haryana Population

Dutch - Flemish Region (59%) + French - Wallonia (40%) + German (1%)

In Capital (Brussels) → French > Dutch

Minority: French → Rich and Powerful

(1950s & 1960s) Tensions

Dutch Majority had Minority in Brussels.

Sri Lanka

Population = 2 crore = Haryana

Sinhala-speakers (74%)

Buddhists

Tamil-speakers (18%)

Native Tamilians → Sri Lankan Tamils (13%)

Forefathers came from India as plantation workers during colonial period → Indian Tamils (5%)

Hindus or Muslims

Christian → Tamil & Sinhala

Sinhala had majority and could impose its will on the entire country.

Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka

1948: Independence

1956:

Official Language → Sinhala

Priority of {Government Jobs + University Positions} → Sinhala Speakers

Constitution → State shall protect and foster Buddhism

Minority (Sri Lankan Tamils) had no voice.

Wanted Tamil as official language; Regional Autonomy; Equality of Opportunity {Education +

Jobs}

1980s: Tamil Eelam

→ Civil War {Ended in 2009}

Power-sharing 1
 Accommodation in Belgium
Belgian Model

1. Both ethnic communities, the Dutch and the French-speaking, had equal representation in the Central
Government with their respective ministers.

2. State Governments worked alongside the Central Government, rather than being subordinate to it.

3. In the capital, Brussels, both the Dutch and the French-speaking had equal representation.

4. There was a "Community Government" specific to each language community.

European Union HQ → Brussels

Why power sharing is desirable?

1. Prudential Reason

Reduce possibility of conflict between social groups.

Increases Political Stability

Printing of Notes
- Gold
- Silver
- Deposit in World Bank
- Foreign Currency ← International Business ← Political Stability (Strong
Government)

2. Moral Reason

It is the spirit of democracy.

Democratic Rule → Sharing of power, with those affected by its exercise.

Forms of Power-Sharing
1. Among Organs of Government

Horizontal Distribution of Power

Each organ checks on the other → balance of power.

System of Checks and Balances: Ministers → Parliament; Legislature → Appoints Judiciary; Judiciary
→ Legislature & Executive

2. Among Different Levels (Federalism)

Federal Government

Rules ← Constitution: Federal Division of Power

Vertical Division of Power

3. Among Different Social Groups

Community Government, Reserved Constituencies

Power-sharing 2
 Meant to give importance to alienated groups

4. Political Parties, Pressure Groups & Movements

Shared among different pol. parties that represent different ideologies

Coalition Gov. → Share power

Power-sharing 3