DEMOCRACY

The word democracy comes from two Greek words ‘demos’ meaning  ‘people’ and ‘kratos / kratein’ meaning ‘rule / government’.

The philosophy of democracy evolved over centuries from various sources, and as a reaction against the absolute control of monarchs. Greeks believed it to be the best form of administration. Direct democracy – all adult males were members of the Council of the City State (women and slaves were not allowed).

Modern democracy evolved over a period of 700 years in England – the main purpose being to restrict the absolute authority of the king. Also greatly influenced by the French Revolution and Liberalism.

Lincoln’s definition – ‘Government for the people, by the people, of the people’.

In the modern sense democracy is ‘a government made up of peoples representatives chosen by universal adult franchise and governed by principles of liberty, equality and fraternity.

LIBERTY – Freedom of the individual, within certain parameters

EQUALITY – Social, political and economic equality is a necessary condition of democracy because every individuals worth / right is equally important. The government / society / constituency must strive to make all its citizens equal. Equality does not mean being at the same economic standard but providing the same opportunities. Therefore positive discrimination is allowed.

FRATERNITY – Refers to a sense of brotherhood, which must be developed if the principle of equality is to be upheld.

Thus democracy is not just a political system but also operates on the economic and social levels.

TYPES OF DEMOCRACY

Political Democracy – System of government made up of representatives chosen through a universal electoral system – equal political rights for all. The highest office must be responsible. Equality before the law, freedom of thought and speech.

Social Democracy – Since all individuals enjoy equal political rights, the principle of ‘equality’ must be accepted and fostered – thus it must be practiced first in the social context. Every individual must believe in the inherent value of other individuals and treat them equally – only then will we accept that each ones opinion or vote is important.

Economic Democracy – All individuals have the right to earn wealth without interfering in or obstructing the right of other people. The state does exercise certain control over the economy in order to prevent exploitation or unfair practices.

THE FOLLOWING FACTORS FOSTER / PROTECT DEMOCRACY

1.     Fair Electoral System – adult franchise, no malpractice. Manipulated elections are worse than no elections because it promotes autocracy under the cloak of democracy. Therefore elections must be free and fair.

2.     Political freedom – of speech, expression, no intimidation while exercising political rights.

3.     Education – people must understand their rights to exercise them effectively. Use judgment when selecting candidates; be aware of rights in order to protect them. According to Aldous Huxley ‘If your aim is liberty and democracy, then you must teach people the art of being free and governing themselves’.

4.     Mass Communication – in order to make informed choices, people must have access to information. Therefore mass communication media must be developed. Physical mobility through transport must also be easy in order for the administration to  reach every corner of the country.

5.     Independent Judiciary – in a democracy, government and people have defined rights and privileges. In order to protect these and prevent abuse of power, the judiciary must be independent of the executive and legislative control.

6.     Accountable administration – the government must be responsible to the people who have elected them. This accountability is ensured through independent judiciary and parliamentary procedure, i.e. vote of no confidence, public interest litigation etc.

7.     Growth of Middle Class – a powerful middle class traditionally has championed the cause of democracy

8.     Freedom of political parties – multiple choice, freedom to put forward ones agenda, etc.