What is Democracy? Why Democracy? Comprehensive Study Notes

Definition and Distinctions of Democracy

• Definition of Democracy: Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people. This system allows the people to choose their government through elections, distinguishing it from other political structures.

• Comparisons with Non-Democratic Governments:

  • Myanmar: Governed by army rule where the rulers are not elected by the people. The citizens have no role in the selection of the government.

  • Chile: Under the rule of dictators like Augusto Pinochet, the leaders were not chosen by the populace.

  • Saudi Arabia: A monarchy where the king rules not because of public choice, but by virtue of being born into the royal family.

Fundamental Features of Democracy

For a system to be considered truly democratic, it must possess the following features:

• Elected Rulers and Decision Making: The rulers elected by the people must take all major decisions.

• Free and Fair Elections: Elections must offer a genuine choice and a fair opportunity for the people to change their current rulers.

• Universal Opportunity: This choice and opportunity must be available to all people on an equal basis.

• Constitutional Limits: The government must function according to certain rules, respecting the rights of citizens.

Major Decisions by Elected Leaders: The Case of Pakistan

• Military Coup: In October $1999$, General Pervez Musharraf led a military regime in Pakistan, overthrowing a democratically elected government. He initially declared himself the "Chief Executive" and later changed his designation to "President."

• 2002 Referendum: In $2002$, Musharraf organized a referendum that granted him a $5$-year extension. Human rights organizations and the Pakistani media reported that this referendum was characterized by fraud and malpractices.

• Legal Framework Order (August 2002): This order amended the Constitution of Pakistan, granting the President the power to dismiss national or provincial assemblies.

• Military Oversight: A National Security Council, dominated by military officers, supervised the work of the civilian Cabinet (the committee of senior ministers responsible for controlling government policy).

• Power Dynamics: While elected representatives existed, final decision-making power remained with General Musharraf and military officers. Consequently, this system could not be classified as a rule of the people.

• First Feature of Democracy: In a democracy, the final decision-making power must rest with those elected by the people.

Free and Fair Electoral Competition: China and Mexico

• Case of China:

  • The Parliament is known as Quanguo Renmin Daibiao Dahui (National People's Congress).

  • Elections are held every $5$ years to elect nearly $3,000$ members from all over China. Some members are elected by the army.

  • The Congress has the power to appoint the President of the country.

  • Restriction of Choice: Candidates must have the approval of the Chinese Communist Party. Only members of this party or eight smaller allied parties are permitted to contest. Thus, the government is always formed by the Communist Party.

• Case of Mexico:

  • Independence was attained in $1930$. Elections for the President are held every $6$ years.

  • While Mexico never fell under military or dictatorial rule, until the year $2000$, every election was won by the PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party).

  • Unfair Practices: The PRI used "dirty tricks," such as forcing people to vote for them, shifting polling booths at the last minute to prevent voting, and pressuring government employees and teachers to influence parents and voters.

• Second Feature of Democracy: A democracy must be based on a free and fair election where those currently in power have a fair chance of losing.

One Person, One Vote, One Value

Democracy is based on the principle of political equality (Universal Adult Franchise). However, several nations have historical instances of denying this equality:

• Saudi Arabia: Women did not have the right to vote until $2015$.

• Estonia: Citizenship rules make it difficult for the Russian minority to acquire the right to vote.

• Fiji: The electoral system is weighted such that the vote of an indigenous Fijian has more value than that of an Indian-Fijian.

• Third Feature of Democracy: In a democracy, each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote must have one value.

Rule of Law and Respect for Rights: The Case of Zimbabwe

• Post-Independence Rule: Zimbabwe gained independence from White minority rule in $1980$. Since then, it was ruled by the ZANU-PF party, led by Robert Mugabe.

• Authoritarian Practices: Although elections were held regularly, they were always won by ZANU-PF through the use of unfair practices. The government changed the constitution multiple times to increase the President's power.

• Suppression: Opposition party workers were harassed, their meetings disrupted, and public protests against the government were declared illegal. The government ignored court judgments and harassed journalists.

• Outcome: Robert Mugabe was forced out of office in $2017$.

• Fourth Feature of Democracy: A democratic government rules within limits set by constitutional law and citizens' rights. It must respect guarantees to minorities, and office bearers must remain accountable to the law and other independent officials.

Arguments Against Democracy

Some critique democracy based on the following points:

1. Instability: Leaders keep changing frequently, leading to political instability.

2. Lack of Morality: It is often viewed as being all about political competition and power play, leaving no scope for morality (principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong).

3. Delays: The requirement to consult many people leads to significant delays in decision-making.

4. Bad Decisions: Elected leaders may not always understand the best interests of the people.

5. Corruption: The focus on electoral competition often results in corruption.

6. Incompetence of Voters: Ordinary people may not know what is good for them and may be unable to decide properly.

Arguments For Democracy

Despite its flaws, democracy is considered the best form of government for the following reasons:

1. Accountability: It is a more accountable form of government, as seen in how it responds to the needs of the people.

2. Quality Decision-Making: Because it is based on consultation and discussion, it reduces the possibility of hasty or irresponsible decisions.

3. Conflict Management: It provides a peaceful method to deal with differences and conflicts, which is vital for diverse countries like India.

4. Dignity: It enhances the dignity of citizens by treating the rich and poor, educated and uneducated, as political equals.

5. Self-Correction: It allows the system to correct its own mistakes; either the rulers must change their decisions, or the rulers themselves can be changed.

Comparative Study: Famines in India and China ($1958$-$1961$)

• The Event: China suffered the worst recorded famine in world history between $1958$ and $1961$, in which approximately $3$ crore ($3 \times 10^7$) people died.

• The Contrast: During this period, India's economic condition was similar to China's, yet India did not suffer a famine.

• The Reason: Economists attribute this to different government policies. India's democratic status and free press allowed for criticism of the government and forced it to respond to food scarcity. If China had an opposition party and a free press, many lives could have been saved.

Broader Meanings of Democracy

• Representative Democracy: This is the most common form in modern times, where the majority of people rule through elected representatives. It is necessary because modern populations are too large for direct collective decision-making, and individual citizens often lack the time, desire, or skills to participate in every decision.

• Democratic Decision-Making: A democratic decision involves the consultation and consent of all those affected by the decision. This principle can be applied to any sphere of life (families, organizations, etc.).

• Requirements for True Participation: For citizens to play an equal role in decision-making, they need more than just the right to vote; they require equal information, basic education, equal resources, and commitment.