ABSTRACT

Home to a quarter of the world’s population, South Asia represents a unique and grand experiment in economy and democracy. The story of democracy begins at different points in the history of the seven states that make up South Asia. Its path has been, however, far from smooth. Everywhere, democratic development has been interrupted by strife, civil wars, and illegitimate usurpation of power by illiberal forces. Even in India, which is generally acknowledged to be a unique and enduring example of a stable democracy among postcolonial developing countries, state elections have been deferred time and again awaiting the return of law and order. In 1975, India was under a proclamation of national emergency, and scheduled national elections were postponed until 1977. Still, derailed democracies are not unusual in postcolonial countries that embarked as independent nations following the end of World War II. Even among these, the South Asian experience is arguably special.