Analysis of The Hindu Editorial – December 13, 2024

Analysis of The Hindu Editorial 1 :  Pakistan at the UNSC, the points of its compass

Introduction

On January 1, 2025, Pakistan began its eighth term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), marking a significant milestone in its diplomatic journey. Representing the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) alongside Somalia and Algeria, Pakistan enters at a time of global conflict and fractured multilateralism. Its two-year term will likely be marked by efforts to project influence while addressing its own political and economic challenges.

Why does this matter? For starters, half of the ten elected members of the UNSC are now OIC members, offering an opportunity for collective action on issues close to Islamic nations. Yet, this alignment also raises questions about Pakistan’s ability to foster meaningful collaboration or move beyond its traditional focus on India.

Understanding Pakistan’s Role in the UNSC

Composition of the 2025-26 Non-Permanent Members

The five new members elected for 2025–26—Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia—replace Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland. These nations join the five existing non-permanent members, ensuring diverse representation across continents.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Representation

Pakistan’s inclusion bolsters the OIC’s representation in the UNSC. This could amplify voices advocating for Gaza ceasefires, Palestinian rights, and Islamophobia concerns. However, consensus-building remains a challenge given the varying priorities within the OIC bloc.

Key Areas of Focus for Pakistan

Afghanistan: Repairing Relations with the Taliban

Afghanistan will be central to Pakistan’s UNSC agenda. Islamabad sees its UNSC stint as a chance to mend relations with the Taliban, a regime it once supported but now faces diplomatic strains with. Russia and China are poised to back Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate Taliban rehabilitation on the global stage.

Peacekeeping and Global Diplomacy

Pakistan has historically played a major role in UN peacekeeping missions. This commitment will likely continue as Islamabad seeks to highlight its contributions while enhancing its global stature.

Kashmir as a Stated Priority

No discussion of Pakistan’s multilateral ambitions is complete without mentioning Kashmir. Over the years, Pakistan has sought to internationalize the issue, especially after India abrogated Article 370 in 2019. Despite its efforts, most of the P-5 members of the UNSC, including the U.S., show little appetite for revisiting the issue. Elections in Jammu and Kashmir and India’s emphasis on normalcy have further weakened Pakistan’s case.

Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism

Pakistan’s public stance prioritizes combatting terrorism—a narrative it hopes will counter its image as a state linked to terror groups. However, the presence of groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) on UNSC sanction lists undermines this narrative.

India-Pakistan Dynamics in the UNSC

Pakistan’s Anti-India Focus

Pakistan’s default diplomatic strategy often targets India, leveraging platforms like the UNSC to spotlight issues such as Kashmir or alleged human rights violations. Historical attempts to use closed-door consultations to discuss Kashmir have yielded limited results, as major powers show disinterest in escalating regional disputes.

India’s Counter-Strategy

India has successfully countered these efforts by rallying support from unexpected allies within the OIC and leveraging its own diplomatic relationships. During its recent UNSC tenure, India effectively championed global issues such as counter-terrorism, often outmaneuvering Pakistan’s attempts to tarnish its image.

Islamophobia and Its Global Implications

A Misused Narrative

Pakistan, with OIC backing, has consistently sought to include Islamophobia in global counter-terrorism strategies. While the intent might resonate with some, critics argue this dilutes the focus on terrorism itself. India, during its UNSC term, strongly opposed such attempts, ensuring the term was removed from key resolutions.

The Appointment of a Special Envoy

In 2024, Pakistan achieved a diplomatic win with the appointment of a UN Special Envoy for Combatting Islamophobia. While symbolic, this move has drawn skepticism over its practical impact on global peacekeeping or counter-terrorism.

Missed Opportunities in Multilateralism

Potential for India-Pakistan Collaboration

Despite their rivalry, India and Pakistan share common interests in areas like peacekeeping, climate change, and the Global South’s priorities. However, Pakistan’s focus on anti-India rhetoric often overshadows these synergies, preventing meaningful collaboration.

China’s Role in Supporting Pakistan

China’s strategic partnership with Pakistan further complicates multilateral dynamics. From supporting Pakistan’s Kashmir agenda to shielding it from global scrutiny over terrorism, Beijing’s role remains pivotal in Islamabad’s UNSC activities.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s UNSC term presents a blend of opportunity and challenge. While it seeks to project influence on issues like Afghanistan, Islamophobia, and Kashmir, its internal struggles and rigid focus on India limit its ability to foster multilateral progress. For India, Pakistan’s term demands vigilance but also offers opportunities to reinforce its diplomatic strengths and multilateral contributions.

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Analysis of The Hindu Editorial 2 : The missing spotlight on urban local government elections

Introduction

Urban local governments (ULGs) form the backbone of decentralized governance in India, serving as the first point of contact for millions of citizens when it comes to essential civic services. Enshrined in the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (CAA) of 1992, ULGs were envisioned as independent and robust institutions. However, over three decades later, the objectives of this landmark reform remain partially unfulfilled.

Amid the ongoing national discourse on One Nation One Election (ONOE), a unique opportunity has emerged to address the long-overlooked need for regular and timely elections to ULGs. These elections are not merely an administrative task but a cornerstone of local democracy that directly impacts urban governance and quality of life.

Historical and Policy Context

Silent Approach to ULGs in Key Reports

Despite their critical role, ULGs have often been sidelined in discussions about synchronized elections:

• The 79th Report of the Parliament Standing Committee (2015) advocated simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies but omitted ULGs entirely.
• The NITI Aayog Discussion Paper (2017) argued that synchronizing elections for the thousands of ULGs across India was impractical due to their status as State subjects.
• Similarly, the Law Commission of India Draft Report (2018) echoed this reasoning, excluding ULGs from its recommendations.

Emerging Shift in Perspective

In a refreshing shift, the High-Level Committee (HLC) Report (2024) recommended synchronizing ULG elections within 100 days of simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. This marked the first substantial acknowledgment of ULGs in the ONOE framework, underlining their role in fostering economic growth and social well-being.

Why ULG Elections Matter

Impact of ULGs on Society and Economy

India is home to over 4,800 urban local governments, governing nearly 40% of the country’s population—a figure expected to surpass 50% by 2050. These cities contribute more than 60% to the national GDP, making their governance critical to India’s economic trajectory.

Policy Implications

Regular elections to ULGs are not just constitutional mandates; they are prerequisites for empowering citizens and ensuring accountability. Democratically elected local governments can accelerate development, enhance service delivery, and strengthen the social fabric of urban India.

Challenges in ULG Elections

Uncertainty and Delays

The constitutional mandate to hold ULG elections every five years is frequently violated. According to the CAG’s 2024 Compendium of Performance Audits, elections were delayed in over 60% of ULGs across the country. Such delays weaken decentralization, with State governments often stepping in to govern directly. This undermines citizen representation and accountability, leaving urban issues unaddressed.

Operational Challenges Post-Elections

Even after elections are held, the timely operationalization of elected councils remains a challenge. A study by Janaagraha revealed an average delay of 11 months in forming municipal councils in Karnataka after election results were declared. Such delays render elected representatives powerless, defeating the purpose of the electoral process.

The Role of State Election Commissions (SECs)

Challenges in Empowering SECs

State Election Commissions (SECs) are responsible for conducting ULG elections, but their limited authority often hampers their effectiveness. According to the CAG, only four out of 15 States assessed had empowered their SECs to carry out ward delimitation. Additionally, political interference and legal disputes over reservation policies frequently delay elections.

Recommendations for Reform

To overcome these challenges, SECs must be strengthened and granted autonomy to handle tasks like ward delimitation and reservation processes. This would reduce delays and ensure that ULG elections are conducted promptly and fairly.

The ONOE Opportunity

Inclusion of ULGs in ONOE Framework

Synchronized elections for ULGs alongside national and State polls could streamline governance and reduce administrative burdens. While logistical challenges exist, they can be addressed with careful planning and phased implementation.

Roadmap for Reform

The HLC’s recommendations, accepted by the Union government, provide a roadmap for synchronizing ULG elections. Nationwide consultations with stakeholders, including State governments and local bodies, are crucial for crafting a practical and inclusive strategy.

Conclusion

The call for regular and timely ULG elections is not just a constitutional obligation but a necessity for revitalizing urban governance in India. By integrating ULG elections into the ONOE agenda, the Union and State governments can ensure that local democracy becomes a vibrant and functional reality. The success of this endeavor will depend on collaboration, political will, and a shared vision for India’s urban future.

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