What is Democracy? Why Democracy?
WHAT IS DEMOCRACY?
Common features of democratic governments:
Power is held by the people.
People have the right to elect their representatives.
Respect for individual rights and freedoms.
Rule of law and equality before the law.
Separation of powers and checks and balances.
Common features of non-democratic governments:
Power is concentrated in the hands of a few individuals or a single entity.
Lack of free and fair elections.
Limited or no respect for individual rights and freedoms.
Suppression of political opposition.
Absence of checks and balances.
Reasons to understand “What is Democracy”:
Different governments claim to be democratic.
The term “democracy” is used for various purposes.
Clarity is needed to distinguish true democracies from other forms of government.
Simple definition of democracy:
Government chosen by the people through elections.
Abraham Lincoln famously answered, “What is Democracy?” democracy as “government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
Limitations of the simple definition:
Not all governments holding elections are democracies.
Examples: army rulers in Myanmar, dictators like Pinochet, monarchies.
Importance of distinguishing true democracies:
Many governments falsely claim to be democracies
Understanding the features of a democratic government is necessary
1.2 Key Features of Democracy to Understand “What is Democracy?”
Major decisions by elected leaders
Example: Pakistan under General Musharraf
General Musharraf led a military coup in Pakistan in 1999.
He overthrew a democratically elected government and declared himself the Chief Executive.
Musharraf held a referendum in 2002, which was criticized for malpractices and fraud.
He issued a ‘Legal Framework Order’ that allowed him to dismiss the national and provincial assemblies.
The civilian cabinet was supervised by a National Security Council dominated by military officers.
While elections were held, the final power resided with military officers and General Musharraf.
In Pakistan, elected representatives did not hold the ultimate decision-making power.
The rulers were not elected by the people, as the real power rested with non-elected military officials.
This example highlights that in a democracy, the final decision-making power should be with elected individuals.
Free and fair electoral competition
Examples: China and Mexico elections
China:
Regular elections held every five years for the National People’s Congress.
Approval from the Chinese Communist Party is required for candidates.
Elections offer limited choice, as only candidates approved by the ruling party can contest.
The government is always formed by the Communist Party.
The elections do not provide a genuine choice for the people.
Mexico:
Elections held every six years to elect the President.
Until 2000, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) consistently won elections.
Opposition parties existed but faced obstacles in winning.
The PRI used various tactics to secure electoral victories, such as coercion and manipulation.
Elections were not fair, as the ruling party could not be defeated despite public discontent.
Analysis of the examples:
In China, elections lack a serious choice and allow only ruling party-approved candidates.
In Mexico, although there appeared to be a choice, the ruling party consistently held power through manipulative tactics.
Fair elections in a democracy should provide a genuine choice between political alternatives and the possibility of removing existing rulers.
Second feature of democracy:
Elections must offer a real choice between political alternatives.
People should have the ability to use this choice to replace the current rulers if desired.
Democracy requires free and fair elections where those in power have a fair chance of losing.
One person, one vote, one value
Instances of denial of equal right to vote:
Until 2015, women in Saudi Arabia did not have the right to vote.
Estonia’s citizenship rules create difficulties for the Russian minority to obtain voting rights.
In Fiji, the electoral system gives more value to the vote of an indigenous Fijian compared to an Indian-Fijian.
Third feature of democracy:
Democracy is based on the principle of political equality.
Each adult citizen must have one vote, and each vote must carry equal value.
This ensures that in a democracy, every citizen has an equal say in the decision-making process.
Rule of law and respect for rights
Zimbabwe gained independence from White minority rule in 1980 and has been ruled by ZANU-PF since then.
Robert Mugabe led the country and won elections but used unfair practices and changed the constitution to increase his powers.
Opposition parties faced harassment, protests were declared illegal, and media was controlled by the government.
The example shows that popular approval alone is not sufficient for a democracy.
Basic rights of citizens, including freedom of thought, expression, and association, must be respected.
An independent judiciary is necessary to protect these rights.
After elections, a democratic government must rule within the limits set by constitutional law and respect citizens’ rights.
Consultations, accountability, and guarantees for minorities are crucial aspects of democratic governance.
In the above part we had our hands on “What is Democracy?”. Now let’s take a look as Why Democracy?
1.3 WHY DEMOCRACY?
During a class discussion on whether democracy is the best form of government, the core values of democracy were put forward:
Wide popularity and global desire for democracy
Critical examination of widely accepted ideas
Debate on the relationship between democracy and poverty
Recognition of democracy’s challenges, including chaos, corruption, and hypocrisy
Proposal of a strong leader as a potential solution to corruption and poverty
Caution against the dangers of unchecked power and dictatorship
Appreciation of freedom of speech as a fundamental aspect of democracy
Arguments against democracy
Some other arguments against democracy:
Democracy leads to gridlock and delays in decision-making due to the need for extensive consultation.
Elected leaders may not always make the best decisions in the interest of the people.
Electoral competition in democracy can foster corruption.
Some argue that ordinary people lack the knowledge to make informed decisions and should not have significant decision-making power.
These arguments mainly apply to democracy but can also be relevant to the misuse of any form of government. The agreement with these arguments varies among individuals.
While democracy is not a perfect solution and has its limitations, the real question is whether democracy is better than other available forms of government.
Arguments for democracy
Democracy in India prevented a famine like the one in China due to the government’s response to food scarcity, highlighting democracy’s ability to meet people’s needs.
Democracy is more accountable because rulers must attend to the needs of the people.
Democratic decision-making involves consultation and discussion, leading to better quality decisions.
Democracy provides a peaceful solution to conflicts and diversity, allowing different groups to coexist peacefully.
Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens by recognizing political equality and making individuals responsible for their conduct.
Democracy allows for the correction of mistakes through public discussion and the possibility of changing rulers.
While democracy has limitations, it is considered the best form of government due to its advantages and alternatives.
1.4 BROADER MEANINGS OF “WHAT IS DEMOCRACY”
Democracy is often understood as a form of government where decisions are made by elected representatives on behalf of the people.
It allows for a large number of people to participate in decision-making, which would be impractical otherwise.
Democracy can also be applied to various spheres of life beyond government, emphasizing consultation and equal participation in decision-making.
The ideals of democracy highlight the importance of equal rights, resources, and information for all citizens.
No country can claim to be a perfect democracy, as there is always room for improvement in realizing democratic ideals.
Democracy relies on active political participation by citizens, distinguishing it from other forms of government that discourage citizen involvement.
The strength and success of democracy depend not only on the actions of rulers but also on the engagement of citizens in shaping their country’s democratic processes.
Conclusion – What is Democracy? Democracy is more than a form of government—it’s a commitment to equality, freedom, and public participation. By ensuring that decisions reflect the will and welfare of the people, democracy empowers citizens to shape society. Understanding it helps us value our rights and responsibilities as active members of a democratic nation.
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