Power Sharing: Belgium and Sri Lanka

Introduction

• Power sharing is the central theme.
• The aim is to understand why power sharing is vital for democracies.
• Belgium and Sri Lanka are analyzed.
• Effective power sharing is crucial for a well-functioning democracy.
• Collaboration among democratic bodies is made possible through power sharing.
• Power sharing fosters a sense of inclusion among diverse ethnic groups.
• This inclusion helps prevent feelings of neglect for those lacking power.

Chapter Topics

• Focus is on the ethnic makeup of Belgium and Sri Lanka.
• Examines approaches to managing diversity in Sri Lanka.
• Emphasizes key insights from the contrasting experiences of Belgium and Sri Lanka regarding power sharing.
• Explores the rationale behind power sharing in a democracy.
• Looks at the different forms that power sharing can take.

Belgium and Sri Lanka: A Comparative Study

• Belgium and Sri Lanka serve as examples to illustrate the meaning and significance of power sharing.
• Belgium is a compact European nation.
• Sri Lanka is an island nation near India.
• Social harmony and political stability rely on power sharing.

Ethnic Composition of Belgium

• Belgium is bordered by France, Netherlands, and Germany.
• Ethnic composition relates to social divisions that are based on shared culture, language, religion, or regional identity.
• Language is a significant aspect of Belgium's ethnic composition.
• Dutch is spoken by 59% of residents in the Flemish region.
• French is spoken by 40% of residents in the Wallonia region.
• German is spoken by 1% of the population near the German border.
• Brussels is Belgium's capital.
• French is spoken by 80% of people in Brussels, while Dutch is spoken by 20%.
• Dutch speakers are a majority nationally but a minority in Brussels.
• The French-speaking minority was strong economically.
• The Dutch-speaking majority experienced development later.
• This disparity caused tension.

Ethnic Composition of Sri Lanka

• Sri Lanka presents a population with varied ethnic groups.
• Sinhalese speakers are the most numerous group.
• Tamil speakers are the second largest group.
• Sinhalese speakers comprise 74% of the population.
• Tamil speakers make up 18% of the population.
• Tamil speakers are concentrated in the north and east.
• 13% of the population are Sri Lankan Tamils, descendants of native Sri Lankans.
• 5% of the population are Indian Tamils, descendants of indentured laborers.
• Most Sinhalese speakers are Buddhist.
• Most Tamil speakers are Hindu or Muslim.
• Christians, accounting for 7% of the population, speak both Tamil and Sinhala.

Tensions and Potential Conflicts in Belgium and Sri Lanka

• Diversity can lead to disputes without proper management.
• Economic inequalities caused tensions between Dutch speakers and French speakers in Belgium.
• Sri Lanka faced a more unstable situation.
• The Sinhalese majority was in a position to dominate the government.

Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka

• Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948.
• Sinhalese leaders wanted control of the government.
• Majoritarianism was used, which let the majority rule and ignore the minority.
• The 1956 Act established Sinhala as Sri Lanka's only official language.
• Sinhalese applicants received university and government job preferences.
• The state was constitutionally bound to protect Buddhism.
• Sri Lankan Tamils experienced increased alienation because of majoritarian policies.
• They considered the constitution and government to be denying them rights and discriminating against them regarding employment.

Tamil Response and Civil War

• Sri Lankan Tamils formed parties to fight for Tamil recognition, regional autonomy, and equality.
• They wanted a Tamil state (Tamil Eelam) in northern and eastern Sri Lanka.
• Distrust resulted in civil war.
• The civil war caused suffering and setbacks for Sri Lanka.

Accommodation in Belgium

• Belgian leaders acknowledged regional and cultural diversity.
• The constitution was amended to enable peaceful coexistence.
  • The constitution mandates an equal number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers in the central government.
  • State governments in each region received powers from the central government.
  • Brussels has a separate government where both communities have equal representation.
  • In addition to the central and state governments, there is a community government.
• Community governments are elected by language community members.
• Community governments address cultural, educational, and language-related matters.
• This accommodation averted conflict between the major communities and division along linguistic lines.
• Brussels was selected as the European Union headquarters.

Why Power Sharing is Desirable

• Power sharing is pursued for prudential and moral reasons.
• Power sharing reduces conflict and ensures stability.
• Power sharing is rooted in democracy and ethics.
• Prudential reasons for power sharing includes:
  • Power sharing reduces conflict between social groups.
  • It leads to political stability through accommodating interests and preventing domination by specific groups.
  • It prevents political violence through power distribution.
• Moral reasons for power sharing includes:
  • Power sharing captures the spirit of democracy.
  • Democratic rule involves those who are affected by its exercise.
  • People are entitled to be consulted.
  • Legitimate governments acquire citizen participation.

Forms of Power Sharing

• Previously power was held by a central person or group.
• Democracy caused a need to divide the power.
• Power-sharing takes many forms.
  • Power sharing occurs among government branches.
  • Power sharing occurs at different government levels.
  • Power sharing occurs among social groups.
  • Power sharing occurs among political parties, pressure groups, and movements.

Power Sharing among Different Organs of Government

• Also known as horizontal power distribution.
• Legislative, executive, and judicial branches share power.
• Each branch has specific responsibilities.
• No branch has unlimited power.
• Checks and balances ensure no branch has unlimited power.

Power Sharing among Governments at Different Levels

• Also known as vertical/federal power distribution.
• Power is divided between a central government and regional governments.
• Central and regional governments have defined influence.
• Regional governments are autonomous.

Power Sharing among Different Social Groups

• Power is shared among social, religious, and linguistic groups.
• The community government in Belgium exemplifies this.
• Some countries allocate legislative and government representation to weaker social groups and women.

Power Sharing among Political Parties, Pressure Groups, and Movements

• Power is shared among political parties, pressure groups, and movements.
• Coalition governments and pressure groups are examples.
• Civil societies participate.
• Social interests put pressure on the state, making it responsive to the vulnerable.