ThePrint NationalInterest Pod: Peaceful power transfers followed uprisings in Nepal, Bangladesh & SL - A sign of mature democracies
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Mar 14, 2026 A lively tour of democracy across the Indian subcontinent, spotlighting regular elections from the Maldives to Bhutan. The conversation contrasts varying democratic quality, cites peaceful transfers after recent uprisings in Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and explores why militaries mostly returned power to civilians. It also notes voters rejecting legacy parties and the rise of new political forces.
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Subcontinent's Unusual Democratic Density
- The Indian subcontinent uniquely sustains mass democratic participation with regular elections across contiguous countries totaling about 2 billion people.
- Shekhar Gupta highlights consistent voting despite poverty and imperfections, contrasting it with other regions and authoritarian neighbors.
Pakistan's Democratic Fragility
- Pakistan stands out as the weakest democracy in the region because elected leaders rarely complete full terms and the army dominates politics.
- Gupta links this to repeated military interregnums and hybrid civilian-army arrangements undermining democratic continuity.
Peaceful Transfers After Uprisings
- Most South Asian countries have regular, peaceful transitions without army takeovers, even after dramatic street uprisings.
- Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives maintained institutions and elections despite crises, says Gupta.