BY KHALED ALMAEENA As the Arab Spring continued many of our youth commented daily on the social media network. Some agreed that systems that oppressed and stunted social growth should be abolished and that a popular and peaceful movement was the only solution. As such Tunisia where it all started was followed by Egypt and then Libya, Yemen and elsewhere across the Arab world. In most instances where the powers that be knew the game was up there was a less bloody transition. In Syria where the regime has dug in and refused to budge, blood is being spilt every day. The mood then across the Arab world was for change and democracy. However the question arises: “How in the absence of a civil society and lack of institutions do you suddenly jump from a totalitarian state to a democratic one?” It's not easy. And I don't subscribe to the theory that Arabs or Muslims cannot deal with a democratic system where different voices can be heard. We are not from another planet! However, as political upheavals swept across the Arab world and everyone was using the “D” word, there were others who cautioned against the jump to democracy without going through a thorough social and economic process. Dr. John Chipman, Chief Executive of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), said democracy alone is not a sufficient cause of good governance, and if Arabs have to choose between democracy without good governance and good governance without democracy, they should go ahead with good governance because jumping into democracy without good governance can lead to chaos. During a seminar held last year, Chipman cited Singapore as an example of good governance without democracy and Pakistan as democracy without good governance. In the Arab world there have been many elections held with the powers that be getting 95 percent or 99 percent votes. It was a political sham. However, the discussions among Arabs whether in their homes, coffee shops or on radio and television networks reveal that stability, security and good governance have a higher priority than just plain democracy. Reforms that give people economic and social rights leading to enhancement of their social progress are more in demand than chaos. Therefore, it is important that the political and social transformations taking place across the Arab world focus on the population and not on any particular system. There are many challenges that our region faces; a rising youth population, food and water scarcity, empowerment of women, educational and environmental issues and some others that are bound to crop up. And above all dealing with society and basing it on the core value of Islam – justice. The dignity of the people should be foremost in the minds of those who will be at the helm of affairs as we continue in the coming decades. The young want to be participants in their nation's march and not mere bystanders. They want their voices to be heard. They want a good education and decent jobs. This requires careful planning that cannot be ignored, along with adequate funding; and it is in this context that peace and stability become vital for our survival. And for all this to happen, good governance is a must. — The author can be reached at [email protected] __
