The essentials
The countries of South Asia have had different experiences of democracy. India and Sri Lanka have held regular elections since independence. Others have seen democratic governments alternate with military rule or monarchy. Despite reversals, popular movements for democracy have been strong across the region.
Pakistan adopted its first constitution in 1956, but General Ayub Khan took over in 1958. He was followed by General Yahya Khan in 1969. Elected rule under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (1971–1977) was ended by General Zia-ul-Haq. Elected governments returned from 1988, but General Pervez Musharraf took power in 1999. Reasons often given for these reversals include the strong social position of the military and landowning elites, and the country's tensions with its neighbours.
Bangladesh was part of Pakistan (East Pakistan) until 1971, when it became independent after a movement led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Awami League. Its first constitution described the state as secular, democratic and socialist. In 1975 a presidential system with one party was adopted, Sheikh Mujib was assassinated the same year, and military rule followed. Elected government was restored in 1991.
Nepal was a Hindu kingdom. A popular movement in 1990 led to a constitutional monarchy. A Maoist armed movement grew in the 1990s, and after the king took direct control, a large pro-democracy movement in 2006 forced him to restore the legislature. The monarchy was abolished in 2008, and Nepal became a federal democratic republic; a new constitution was adopted in 2015.
Key points
- Bhutan remained a monarchy and moved towards a constitutional monarchy with its first elected government in 2008.
- The Maldives was a sultanate and became a republic in 1968; multiparty politics was introduced in 2005.
- Ordinary people across South Asia have shown strong support for democracy.
Common mistakes
- Thinking Bangladesh was independent in 1947. It was East Pakistan until 1971.
- Confusing Nepal's 1990 constitutional monarchy with the end of the monarchy in 2008.