Citizens’ assemblies gain ground as debate over centralisation widens

ISLAMABAD: Global governance is experiencing a notable shift as nations explore "Citizens’ Assemblies" to grant ordinary people a direct voice in decision-making.

These lottery-selected groups, documented in over 700 cases by the OECD, represent a "deliberative wave" aimed at institutionalizing political equality. Proponents argue that shifting away from institutions built around "natural leaders" is essential for a democracy that reflects the will of the entire population.

In Pakistan, this debate over centralization is intensifying with the establishment of the National Coordination and Management Council (NCMC). Acting as a "war council" for the economy, the NCMC is designed to bypass traditional bureaucracy to manage crises more efficiently. While its goal is to provide a unified response to the country's mounting economic and security challenges, critics warn that such a superstructure risks over-centralization by sidelining federal ministries.

The urgency for reformed governance is underscored by a deteriorating economic outlook. The IMF recently lowered Pakistan’s growth forecast to 3.5% for the next fiscal year, with inflation projected to climb to 8.4% due to the spillover effects of the Middle East conflict.

In response, the government has slashed its development budget by 17%, and officials have urged the business community to repatriate a significant portion of their overseas wealth to support the upcoming budget.

Temporary relief has arrived through the "Antalya Quartet" and strategic allies. Saudi Arabia recently pledged an additional $3 billion in deposits and extended a $5 billion facility for three years to bolster Pakistan's external stability. However, analysts emphasize that while these "quick fixes" provide breathing room, the true challenge lies in building a governance model that balances centralized efficiency with the inclusive, bottom-up approach seen in global deliberative assemblies.