Abstract:
This article reviews Devolution of Power as an exercise in shifting power from one group of
representatives to another group of representatives. Devolution of Power cannot achieve empowerment
of ordinary people because it does not have any mechanism to subordinate the power of
representatives to the power of electorate. Citizens have power to vote and elect but they have no
power to check corrupt officials, sack corrupt politicians and challenge unjust decisions of people in
public offices. What people need is more than the power to vote and elect. People do not need power,
which can only be exercised once in five years against the abuse and injustice meted out to them on
day-to-day basis. They do not need power, which cannot bring the skeletons in the closets of public
officials for public scrutiny. What mechanism can ensure the exercise of power by people over their
so-called representatives - army, NGOs, politicians, bureaucrats, mullahs etc.- on daily basis.
There is only one mechanism, organization of the people for their own development. Based on
Pakistan’s experience in past two decades the article has tried to establish that community
organization provides continuity of people’s power in time and space over discretionary power of elite.
