Struggles in Muslim Countries
Struggles in Muslim Countries: Around 50 Muslim-majority countries exist today. Nearly half claim to follow democracy. Yet only a few have strong electoral democracies. This raises an important question: why does democracy struggle in many Muslim countries?
Political Exceptionalism
Political elites often resist democratic ideas. Many countries also struggle to build strong nation-states. Powerful groups continue to control politics. They often see Western-style democracy as unsuitable for their societies.
Many Muslim states use the idea of exceptionalism. They argue that a system may work in one country but fail in another. At the same time, some weak democracies admire wealthy Muslim monarchies. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE offer economic growth and social stability. Their governments also keep tight political control.
Arab Spring Setback
The Arab Spring showed the limits of political change. Tunisia once stood as its biggest success. But the country later moved towards stronger presidential rule. In 2021, President Kais Saied suspended parliament and dismissed the prime minister. He also used emergency powers. Later, a new constitution gave him more authority. It also reduced the power of parliament and political parties.
Pakistan’s Democratic Crisis
Pakistan faces similar problems. The country now faces another democratic crisis. Powerful groups appear to favour stronger authoritarian rule. Many Pakistanis admire the Gulf model. They see efficient airports, good infrastructure, low crime and strong investment there. They then compare it with Pakistan’s political disorder and weak governance.
Different Democratic Models
However, Pakistan cannot simply copy the Gulf model. Pakistan has more than 240 million people. It also has great ethnic and linguistic diversity. The country follows a federal system. It also faces major regional inequalities. Gulf states have much smaller populations and far greater resources per person. Oil and gas wealth also supports their governments.
Indonesia and Malaysia offer a different example. Both countries have relatively open political systems. They show that Muslim-majority countries can support democratic institutions. Yet political elites in struggling Muslim states often ignore these examples.
Military Political Influence
Egypt, Thailand and Myanmar show another path. Their militaries gained strong political influence. In Egypt, the military removed President Mohamed Morsi in 2013. Later, constitutional changes increased presidential powers. They also strengthened the military’s political role.
Thailand followed a similar path after its 2014 military coup. Its 2017 constitution strengthened unelected institutions. It also created an appointed 250-member Senate. These changes made it harder for elected parties to form governments.
Myanmar’s Military Control
Myanmar shows the strongest form of military control. Its 2008 constitution reserved 25 per cent of parliamentary seats for the military. It also gave the military control over key security ministries. Civilian governments could run the country, but they could not fully change the system.
These examples show how modern military rule can work without ending elections. Governments can keep parliament, courts and political parties. They can still limit their power through constitutional changes and institutional controls.
Limits of Political Control
Thailand also shows the limits of this strategy. Institutions can restrict political parties. But they cannot easily control voters. Voters can create new movements and continue demanding change.
Türkiye offers another example. An elected civilian leader, rather than the military, increased presidential power. In 2017, Türkiye changed from a parliamentary system to an executive presidential system. The change gave the president much greater authority.
Power and Public Cost
Pakistan’s power structures may find both the Turkish and Tunisian models attractive. These systems allow elections to continue while concentrating more power in the executive.
In the end, political elites have many models to follow. Ordinary citizens pay the highest price. Political restrictions make it harder for people to demand better government. They also make the path towards a better life more difficult.
Published in Dawn, 23rd August 2026
