Presidential and parliamentary forms of government are two different systems in democracy, practised across the globe. In the U.S., the President is the head of both state and the executive branch as it is a presidential form of government. In Bangladesh it is the parliamentary system of government where the head of state is President, a ceremonial position, and the Prime Minister wields the real power as the head of government. The Prime Minister stays in office as long as the parliament supports the Prime Minister's policies, but for no longer than five years without a general election. But a general election may take place any time ahead of the schedule.
George Washington (1789-1797), the founding President of the United States of America, served two terms as the US President and was asked to serve again. If he wished, he could. Because the people loved him and his military was loyal to him. Even Colonel Lewis Nicola suggested that the army set up a monarchy with Washington as King. Washington replied negatively with abhorrence and ordered Nicola 'to banish these thoughts from your mind.'
In those days, Washington realised it was not a good idea for the people and the country. He envisioned the two terms as the bulwark against monarchy.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt (F.D.R.) (1933-1945), the 32nd President of the United States, served the country more than 12 years. He was the only four times elected President of the United States of America and died in 1945 just 83 days after becoming President for the fourth time.
After the death of F.D.R., Harry S. Truman had been Vice-President and he was then elevated to 33rd President (1945-1953) of the United States. In 1951, the 22nd amendment was ratified allowing two four-year constitutional terms for the President of the United States.
Developed countries can adopt the two four-year constitutional terms while developing countries may introduce two five-year constitutional terms for the head of state or government whether it is the presidential or parliamentary form of government.
People have inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Why they cannot run for President or Prime Minister in the life-time. It is an opportunity for new leaders to prevent monarchy, dictatorship, family politics and other ills of political parties. If not prevented, these can ruin the country and its stability and unity. The same pictures are seen around the globe. So, the two -term limit is the best answer to serving the people and it is the well-oiled experimental machine needed much to run a country.
If the President or the Prime Minister cannot show the improvements, the people have the choice to remove him/her in the second term. So, the two terms ensure the change of leadership in the government 'of the people, by the people and for the people.' The President and the Prime Minister both need to know they are servants of the people, not a lord of the people.
The legislators themselves raise their remunerations. They cut staff or other materials for minimising expenses. But their salary remains same or increases. If they stay in office for life, it can lead them to dictatorship. Many of them have own selfish interests rather than the first and foremost public interests stated in the Constitution. As a result, like President or Prime Ministers all elected officials should have the two-term limit in the best interest of the people and the country.
Published in The Financial Express, Dhaka, Bangladesh, March 02, 2013
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