Understanding How Newly Elected MPs and MLAs Are Undermining Democracy

The backbone of any democratic system is its elected representatives, who uphold the principles of democracy, accountability, and transparency. However, in recent times, there has been growing concern regarding how newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) are contributing to the erosion of these democratic values.

This deep dive explores the troubling trend and its implications for democracy by analyzing various factors, such as their impact on the legislative process, neglect of constituents’ needs, and involvement in corruption and scandals.

1) Impact on Legislative Process-

Newly elected legislators are diluting the legislative process by either not fully engaging with it or manipulating it for personal or partisan interests. There is a growing trend of passing laws without due debate or scrutiny, partly due to lack of experience or sometimes deliberate attempts to push through legislation. This undermines the quality of laws and the very essence of deliberative democracy.

2) Neglect of Constituents’ Needs-

One of the fundamental duties of MPs and MLAs is to represent the needs and concerns of their constituents. Many newly elected representatives neglect these needs, prioritizing party directives or personal gain over constituent interests. This detachment from constituencies compromises the responsiveness and effectiveness of democratic governance.

3) Data on Decreased Parliamentary Sessions-

A decline in the number of parliamentary sessions held. This reduction in active parliamentary workdays suggests a diminishing regard for the legislative process which have profound implications for policy-making and the exercise of oversight over the executive.

4) Data on Non-attendance of Sessions-

Alongside the decrease in parliamentary sessions, there has been an alarming increase in the non-attendance rates of newly elected MPs and MLAs. This absenteeism from legislative duties not only affects the quality of debate but also reflects poorly on the commitment of these representatives to their roles, further eroding the effectiveness of parliamentary democracy.

5) Influence of Money in Politics-

The increasing influence of money in politics is another significant factor that undermines democracy. Newly elected MPs and MLAs, reliant on financial backing to win elections, become susceptible to the interests of their financiers rather than those of the electorate. This can lead to policy decisions favouring a select few, compromising the integrity and fairness of the democratic system.

6) Corruption and Scandals Involving Newly Elected MPs/MLAs-

Corruption and scandal involvement have been a persistent problem with veteran and newly elected lawmakers. Scandals involving financial impropriety, abuse of power, and corruption continue to plague the reputation of democratic institutions and erode public trust.

7) Comparison of Democratic Metrics Over Time-

Comparing democratic metrics such as legislative effectiveness, public trust in institutions, and transparency over time, there is a discernible decline coinciding with the tenure of newly elected representatives. This decline also underscores the need for a renewed commitment to democratic ideals, ethics, and governance among all elected officials.

•Key Points Highlighting the Undermining Nature of Democracy due to MPs and MLAs-

An Unexpected Lesson in Democracy-

[Tale of Eldoria]

• In the serene town of Eldoria, which prides itself on democratic values, the community was abuzz with the news of newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). Among them, a young MLA named Simon emerged victorious, promising to bridge the gaps and be the herald of change.

• Eldora, known for its tranquil ways and close-knit populace, looked forward to witnessing transformative leadership. However, Simon and a few others soon embarked on a path that challenged the very fabric of democratic principles they were elected to uphold.

• It began subtly, with Simon and his peers slowly bypassing legislative procedures for personal gain. Their actions, initially unnoticed by the public, gradually became more apparent. Essential town meetings were either canceled or held in secrecy, and community projects were sidelined for ambiguous privately-funded ventures.

• What alarmed the citizens further was the lack of public accountability. Promises made during fervent campaign speeches became distant memories, and attempts to seek explanations were met with evasion or disdain.

[Shift in Eldoria’s Behavior]

• This shift in behaviour did not go unnoticed by Anna, a retired school teacher and a staunch believer in democracy. Witnessing the erosion of values she held dear, Anna decided to act. She began documenting instances of MPs and MLAs undermining democracy.

• She notes examples of corruption, misuse of power, and the impact of these undemocratic actions on public trust. Through research, she gathered informative data and tables displaying elected officials’ misconduct statistics.

• Armed with evidence, Anna sought to remind her community and its leaders of the importance of accountability, transparency, and integrity. Utilizing the local community hall, Anna organized a town meeting, inviting the entire populace, including the elected officials.

• The meeting saw a staggering turnout, a testament to the growing unrest and thirst for accountability among the residents. Anna presented her findings not to incite anger but to educate and encourage a dialogue between the community and their representatives. Her presentation, filled with undeniable facts and figures, sparked a realization among many, including Simon.

• A period of reflection and redemption for Simon and his peers followed. Acknowledging their missteps, they committed to restoring the trust they had eroded.

• Measures were implemented to ensure greater transparency, including regular public meetings, detailed reports on legislative activities, and avenues for the community to voice concerns directly. Simon led initiatives to revitalize community projects, now with genuine intent and public involvement. Over time, Eldora witnessed a renaissance in democratic engagement, guided by the principle that power truly belonged to the people.

[Conclusion of Eldoria’s Tale]

• The tale of Eldoria became a lesson in democracy. It boosts an individual’s courage to uphold truth and integrity, which can impact a community, and the essence of democracy flourishes through their actions and accountability.
• As for Anna, she fostered a renewed sense of unity and trust within her beloved town. Eldoria became a beacon of democratic values.

CONCLUSION

The undermining of democracy by newly elected MPs and MLAs is a multi-faceted issue that requires urgent attention.

1. We must hold these representatives accountable and instil in them a deep respect for the democratic process, the rule of law, and the needs of their constituents.
2.   Through concerted efforts can, the decline in democratic values be halted and reversed, ensuring a vibrant and effective democratic system for future generations