There is but one sure-fire acid test: Let the people be the arbiters. Isn't that what democracy is about? "The people are the source of power," thus spoke Ziaur Rahman, father of the BNP. "The Awami League is the party of the people( or words to that effect )," says Hasina. With so much faith in "Janogon" none should have any qualm about people power.

To empower people I propose proportional representation ( PR ) to replace the Westminster system. Adopted in many of the European countries, it is the most modern method of democratic pluralism and infinitely superior to the system of first-past-the-post, currently in practice.

When the 'vote' came to India on the British back in 1935, it was a novel idea. Over time it took roots in the Commonwealth. It has lived its day and with time has given birth to many weeds and atrophies. The necessity for introduction of our very own caretaker government is a proof positive of the unsuitability of the British system in our clime. The need of the hour suggests that we think anew.

The biggest advantage of switching to PR would be that political parties will be obliged to bring about continual update by themselves without being forced or dictated from outside. Transparency will obviate one-person rule .

The 'public' will have to be let in on the party manifesto and their operational plans. For in this system people will cast their votes for the party -- not for any 'boromiah' or 'Choudhury Saheb'.

All parties will have to be registered ; their affairs will be known to the Election Commission. The upshot -- no secret funds, no chandabazi and no secret agenda.

In the political arena an age of discipline will be ushered in. The days of Mama-Bhagney/Husband-Wife parties will be over forever. No longer shall we have to contend with 85 or so political parties. A party that will fail to garner at least 5% of the votes cast will have no voice in Parliament on Administration. Thus over time so-called parties will die a natural death.

Shall we allow the old order to change, yielding place to the new?

Lots of accusations, counter-accusations, negotiations and discussions are going on about our politicians after 1/11. We are unfortunate to have elected or rather coerced to elect MPs of very little substance. The real ugly faces and the gross misdeeds of most of the politicians have been exposed by the authorities.

A pertinent question arises at this juncture: what sort of politicians does the country require?

Most of the politicians of old order in the Awami league, BNP, Jatiyo Party have lost their relevance and usefulness in this dynamic, developing, competitive, educated world. They simply lack the modern outlook.

So, we require urbane, humane, well-educated, well-versed, intelligent, less selfish politicians with good family and moral backgrounds. They should be mentally and physically fit to run the statecraft. All the political parties should actively nurture and promote such persons of substance. Survival of politicians and political parties will depend on the above factors. Otherwise, all powerful 'Janogon' will reject them.
SN Mamoon, On e-mail