The Disappearance of Deliberation in Parliament

##The Disappearance of Deliberation in Parliament

The way Parliament functions has a strong impact on the democratic system of a nation. It is through Parliament that the government is held accountable, laws are made, and policies are debated. However, in recent times, there has been a noticeable decline in the level of deliberations and discussions in Parliament. This has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the legislative process and the overall functioning of the democratic system. In this blog, we will delve into the reasons behind this quiet death of deliberation in Parliament and its implications.

###Disruptive Behaviour of MPs

The primary reason for the lack of deliberation in Parliament is the disruptive behaviour of Members of Parliament (MPs). Often, we witness MPs shouting, disrupting proceedings, and even resorting to physical violence. This behaviour not only hampers the legislative process but also reflects poorly on the integrity of Parliament. It creates an atmosphere of chaos and prevents constructive discussions from taking place.

###Lack of Preparation and Research

Another major reason for the decline in deliberations is the lack of preparation and research by MPs. It is the responsibility of MPs to thoroughly study the issues at hand and come prepared for discussions and debates in Parliament. However, many MPs often resort to reading off written notes or reading speeches prepared by their party leaders, instead of actively engaging in discussions and bringing new perspectives to the table.

###Party Whips and Anti-Defection Laws

In a democratic system, it is natural for political parties to have their own ideology and agenda. However, this has led to the phenomenon of party whips, where party leaders direct their MPs to vote along party lines, without giving them the freedom to express their views. In addition, anti-defection laws have also played a role in silencing dissent within political parties. These laws prohibit MPs from voting against their party’s stance, even if they personally disagree with it. This stifles healthy debates and diminishes the role of individual MPs in shaping laws and policies.

###Reduced Time Allotted for Debates

In recent years, there has been a visible reduction in the amount of time allocated for discussions and debates in Parliament. This has been a result of the government’s push towards speedy legislation and passing of bills. As a result, many critical issues are either not being discussed at all, or are discussed for a very short amount of time, without proper deliberation and analysis. This not only undermines the importance of important issues but also limits the scope for a thorough and informed debate.

###Impact on the Legislative Process

The decline in deliberations in Parliament has had a significant impact on the legislative process. The lack of time and healthy debates has led to the passing of bills without proper scrutiny and discussion. This has resulted in poorly drafted laws and policies that are not beneficial for the public. In addition, the lack of deliberation has also affected the quality of legislation, as important aspects and possible flaws are not being adequately discussed and addressed.

###Polarization and Diminishing Role of Opposition

The decrease in deliberation and discussions has also led to a growing polarization among political parties. The lack of consensus building and negotiations has resulted in a confrontational approach, where the ruling party bulldozes its agenda without taking into account the views of the opposition. This has ultimately diminished the role of the opposition in providing a check and balance on the government’s actions.

###Conclusion

In conclusion, the quiet death of deliberation in Parliament has had far-reaching implications on the democratic system. The disruptive behaviour of MPs, lack of preparation and research, party whips and anti-defection laws, reduced time for debates, and the impact on the legislative process are all signs of a flawed system that needs urgent attention. It is high time that steps are taken to restore the sanctity of Parliament and revive healthy deliberations and discussions, which are crucial for a healthy democracy.