Administrative reform essential before Proportional Representation can be effective

In this age of technology, we often see a tendency to imitate whatever appeals to us. It may be in clothing, education, healthcare, housing or governance. But according to place, time and circumstances, nothing can be transplanted wholesale. For instance, Sweden has a sound political and administrative system, but it cannot be applied in Bangladesh directly.

For example, Sweden holds elections under the Proportional Representation (PR) system. In this system, parliamentary seats are distributed according to the proportion of votes cast. As a result, no single party can monopolise power; coalition-building becomes essential for governance.

Before considering PR in Bangladesh, we need to understand the features of Swedish politics. In Sweden, transparency and accountability are ensured in the nomination process through strict rules and internal democracy. The influence of money is effectively restricted to create a corruption-free environment. This ensures election results reflect the people’s will and enables members of parliament to act as genuine representatives of the people. Furthermore, in education and in the social contract, the state gives citizens as much opportunity as it takes from them, thereby strengthening mutual trust. For them, voting is not only about the distribution of power but also the reflection of citizens’ rights and welfare. Thus, the integrity of the election process—from casting votes, to counting, to observation—remains completely trustworthy and independent.

As a result, the Swedish parliament is effective and stable; even where differences arise, law-making, governance and the safeguarding of citizens’ rights are ensured.

Therefore, in Bangladesh, PR cannot be expected to yield the same positive outcome if applied directly. Nomination trading, nepotism in candidate lists, bribery and the influence of money are established practices. Electioneering is also highly expensive and complicated. Moreover, abuse of power is rampant: instead of legislating, members of parliament exercise administrative and economic authority. Added to this is the centralisation of power in party leaders, with decision-making dominated by one leader or a small group. Political influence permeates the administration, and law enforcement and bureaucracy operate under political pressure. As a result, internal crises, economic disruption and political instability have become commonplace.

Key steps in structural reform:

1. Limiting MPs’ powers: Their main responsibility should be legislation and policymaking. Administrative authority should not rest in their hands.

2. Strengthening local government: Union, upazila and district councils should be responsible for law enforcement, budgeting and development planning.

3. Increasing accountability and transparency:

- Ensure transparency and oversight in the nomination process.

- Enforce strict laws to control corruption.

- Make public consultation mandatory. 

4. Transparency in party financing: Publication of funding and donations must be compulsory.

5. Freedom of media and journalism: Essential for ensuring political accountability and exposing corruption.

As a result, politics will become a forum for policymaking and vision, while administration will become a platform for public service.

Neutral administration model: Sweden
Sweden shows that a nation’s progress becomes sustainable when administration is independent from politics.

- Healthcare: National Board of Health and Welfare.

- Social security: Försäkringskassan (Social Insurance Agency).

- Labour policy, environment, education and others: Each sector has autonomous institutions free from political interference.

Politicians remain confined to policymaking, while implementation is carried out by professional administrators. If Bangladesh too can establish independent and neutral institutions in every sector, politics will no longer be a vehicle of corruption.

Sweden’s parliamentary system demonstrates that for PR to function, transparency, accountability and a corruption-free environment are indispensable. Applying PR directly in Bangladesh could bring disaster. Hence, MPs’ powers must be curtailed urgently, local government must be empowered, and neutral and autonomous administrative institutions must be built.

If so, Bangladeshi politics will be led by honest, educated and patriotic citizens, ensuring long-term political stability and economic progress.

In that case, if Bangladesh can implement these reforms, within a generation national politics can turn back from the brink of destruction. We must remember: it is not PR alone, but sound institutions and neutral administration that are the true engines of real change.

Rahman Mridha: Researcher and former Director, Pfizer, Sweden