WHAT IS DEMOCRACY? WHY DEMOCRACY?

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Overview

• Democracy = people power
• Features: rule of law, universal suffrage, free elections, free speech, free association
• Important because people have a say, peace, rights
• Challenges: poverty, corruption, intolerance
• Still best form of government

What is Democracy?

• Democracy is a system in which people, either directly or through elected representatives, influence laws, policies, leadership, and key initiatives for a state or polity.
• So, to clarify, Democracy lets people have a say in laws, policies, leadership, and initiatives.

Some Examples of Non-Democratic Governments

• Let’s examine non-democratic governments in two distinct cases. In Myanmar, the military takes the reins of power, excluding citizens from the electoral process. 
• In Saudi Arabia, royal family members exclusively qualify to ascend to the throne, leaving citizens devoid of decision-making authority.

Features of Democracy

• The essential features that define democracy:
  • Rulers elected by the people.
  • Conduct of free, competitive elections.
  • Universal suffrage, regardless of religion, education, caste, or wealth, ensuring each adult has one vote of equal value.
  • Elected rulers’ decision-making within constitutional limits and respect for citizens’ rights.
  • Adherence to the rule of law.
  • Protection of citizen rights through the Constitution.
  • The presence of an independent judiciary.

The Case of Pakistan

• Let’s dissect significant events in Pakistan’s political history: In a democracy, only the elected leaders make decisions on behalf of the people.
• In 1999, General Pervez Musharraf orchestrated a military coup, toppling the democratically elected government and taking the reins as President.
• In 2002, a controversial referendum, marred by malpractices and fraud, granted him a five-year extension.
• Subsequently, the ‘Legal Framework Order’ was passed, empowering the president to dissolve national and provincial assemblies, leading to fresh elections.
• In this context, while Pakistan holds elections and has elected representatives, the ultimate authority remains vested in military officers and General Musharraf himself, challenging its classification as a democracy.

Elections in China: A Choreographed Dance

• In the vast expanse of China, a nation of over a billion souls, elections unfold every five years to determine the composition of the National People’s Congress (全国人民代表大会 or Quánguó Rénmín Dàibiǎo Dàhuì), the Chinese Parliament.
• Picture this: With a staggering 3,000 candidates participating in each election, it’s a colossal display of democratic aspirations. But the plot thickens.
• Before a candidate can even step onto this electoral stage, they must secure the coveted approval of the Chinese Communist Party. This prerequisite adds a layer of complexity to the proceedings.
• As the curtains rise, it becomes clear that the government is perpetually formed by the Communist Party. The show may go on, but the script remains firmly in the hands of the ruling party.

Why Can’t we Call China a Democracy?

• China lacks democracy due to:
  • Single-Party Rule: The Chinese Communist Party holds exclusive power, preventing multi-party competition and peaceful transitions.
  • Limited Political Freedom: Strict controls on speech, press, and assembly hinder political participation and accountability.
  • No Independent Judiciary: Political influence over the judiciary erodes its independence.
  • Censorship and Surveillance: Extensive measures limit access to diverse information.
  • Restricted Political Participation: CCP control over candidate selection hampers real competition.
  • Non-Competitive Elections: The CCP’s dominance ensures elections lack genuine challenges to its rule.

Mexico’s Electotral History: A Tale of Struggle

• In Mexico, a nation that gained its independence in 1821, presidential elections are a crucial part of its democratic journey.
• However, a shadow loomed over these elections for decades. Until the pivotal year 2000, victory in every election was invariably claimed by the PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party).
• This remarkable and uninterrupted winning streak by PRI, which spanned over a century, hinted at a deeper narrative. Opposition parties valiantly contested elections, but victory remained elusive, shrouded in allegations of electoral manipulation and dark tactics employed by PRI to secure its reign.

The Democracy Dilemma

• In the backdrop of Mexico’s history, where the struggle for democracy has been ongoing since its independence in 1821, a critical question arises: Can these circumstances be called true democracy?
• A democracy, in its purest form, hinges on free and fair elections. It demands a level playing field where those in power face the genuine possibility of losing. However, Mexico’s electoral history, with PRI’s unbroken dominance, challenges this fundamental principle.

One Person,One Vote,One Value

• It’s a fact that instances of unequal voting rights exist globally, raising concerns about the principles of democracy:
  • Saudi Arabia, for instance, denies women the right to vote, highlighting gender disparities in political participation.
  • Estonia’s citizenship rules have been criticized for creating challenges that make it difficult for the Russian minority to obtain voting rights, posing issues related to minority representation.
  • In Fiji, the electoral system has been a subject of debate, as it assigns more weight to the votes of indigenous Fijians than those of Indian-Fijians, sparking discussions about electoral fairness and representation.
• In a true democracy, the fundamental principle is that each adult citizen should possess one vote, and the value of each vote should be equal. These instances underscore the ongoing pursuit of this democratic ideal.

Arguments Against Democracy

• Leadership Instability: Critics argue that in a democracy, frequent changes in leadership can lead to political instability. For instance, in Italy, which has seen numerous changes in government leadership, some believe that this instability has hindered effective governance.
• Political Competition and Morality: Detractors claim that democracy often prioritizes political competition and power struggles over moral values. For example, in highly contested elections, politicians may resort to negative campaigning, which can undermine the ethical standards of political discourse.
• Delays Due to Consultation: Some argue that consulting a large number of people in a democracy can result in delays in decision-making. The European Union, with its complex decision-making processes involving multiple member states, has faced criticism for being sluggish in responding to urgent issues.
• Elected Leaders’ Decision-Making: Critics suggest that elected leaders may not always make decisions in the best interest of the people. One example is the controversial decision to invade Iraq in 2003 by some Western democracies, which led to significant international consequences.
• Corruption and Electoral Competition: There’s a perception that democracy can fuel corruption, particularly during electoral competitions. India, one of the world’s largest democracies, has grappled with corruption scandals and allegations involving politicians.
• Ordinary People’s Decision-Making: Some argue that ordinary citizens may not always have the expertise to make informed decisions. In the United Kingdom, the Brexit referendum raised questions about whether the complexity of the issue was suitable for direct public voting.

Arguments For Democracy

• Accountability: Supporters of democracy argue that it is a more accountable form of government. In the United States, for instance, the Watergate scandal in the 1970s showcased the strength of democratic institutions in holding leaders accountable for wrongdoing.
• Quality Decision-Making: Proponents believe that democracy leads to better decision-making. Sweden, known for its robust democratic practices, is often cited for its high-quality public policies and social welfare programs.
• Conflict Resolution: Democracy provides a structured method for addressing differences and conflicts. In South Africa, the peaceful transition from apartheid to democracy under Nelson Mandela’s leadership demonstrated the power of democracy in resolving deeply rooted divisions.
• Enhanced Citizen Dignity: Advocates contend that democracy enhances the dignity of citizens. In India, the world’s largest democracy, the right to vote and participate in the democratic process is seen as a fundamental expression of individual dignity.
• Self-Correction: Supporters argue that democracy has the capacity to correct its own mistakes. The United Kingdom’s decision to hold a second referendum on Scottish independence after the initial vote showcased the democratic willingness to revisit important issues.

Broader Meanings of Democracy

• In contemporary times, representative democracy is the most common form, where the majority makes decisions through elected representatives. For example, in the United Kingdom, Members of Parliament are elected to represent their constituents in the House of Commons, allowing the majority to have a say in national decision-making.
• A democratic decision involves consultation with and consent from all those affected by it. In the European Union, major policy decisions often require consensus among member states, ensuring that each member’s concerns are considered before moving forward.
• Democracy is a principle that can be applied to any sphere of life. In a workplace, for instance, democratic principles can foster employee engagement and decision-making. Companies like Google have embraced a democratic approach to certain aspects of their organizational culture, allowing employees to influence company policies.