Dilemma of Democracy

"Power corrupts", and power is an integral part of democracy where we elect our representatives and vest them with sweeping powers. Then, why complain about corruption, isn't it only to be expected?

Perhaps corruption is the equivalent of the executive bonus schemes in corporate world. I strongly believe that the reason majority of smart folks enter politics today is for the power it gives them to serve their vested interests. If we completely eliminate corruption, why would the smartest of folks enter politics? An honest man in politics stands to earn a pittance!!

Does that mean that in a non-corrupt government (assuming we can achieve that ideal), we will be left with well-intentioned, but largely mediocre, folks running our country? Can we expect mediocre talent to have the vision and application to take our country to new heights? Are there enough brilliant people out there who are willing to make huge financial sacrifices just to be a part of the government? I doubt it.

Perhaps corruption provides the only incentive today to attract smart people who have the vision to execute some of the boldest development initiatives. Without corruption, we may have the folks with right intentions driving the country, but will we have folks with the right ability? Would eliminating corruption come at a higher cost of incompetence?

So, what's the solution? Are we doomed? I think there needs to be a shift in our thinking, we need to bring the political/governance system closer to corporate world. An MP needs to be as capable as (or more than) a CEO of an organization, and his remuneration needs to reflect that. This is the only way to ensure that being an honest MP is worth the time of some of the most intelligent people in our country. Make sure that the financial incentive is at least at par with an average CEO's income.

And then crack down hard on corruption, and make these MPs accountable. Have them publish quarterly reports in their constituency, have public press conferences and independent political analysts covering them. Bring in electoral reforms to make sure elections are fought freely and fairly. All of this is required, but without the right financial incentives for our leaders, our development as a nation might end up regressing in spite of all well meaning reforms.

If we don't see some change in this direction, I think our democracy is doomed. Cunning and corrupt folks will continue to find their way to politics, and the well-meaning, intelligent folks will stay busy looking at more lucrative and honest ways of making a comfortable lives for themselves. Think about it, when does a wealthy, intelligent person ever think about joining politics? Only when they want to become even wealthier ...