Why democracy?

With the evolution of societies spanning hundreds of millenniums, dozens of political models evolved and reached a climax in their respective eras. Therefore, the concept of governance is as old as human society. Earlier political models focused on brute force, deception, coercion, and fraud. However, these models failed to withstand the test of time. Though they still exist as monarchies, oligarchies, plutocracies, stratocracies, and hybrid regimes, they have garnered significant ire and lamentations.

Luckily, the dawn of enlightenment and reason ushered into the era of democracy. Rooted in ancient Greek, though not exactly in the modern form, the democratic form of governance has earned unprecedented acknowledgement in modern political entities. Although it may not be the best political system experienced by human societies, it is the best among the existent governance models. The reason for this democratic fervour is that all democratic countries have attained incalculable dividends.

What makes democracy the most sought-after political project today? Abraham Lincoln said democracy is another name for the public’s government. Genuine democracy is characterised by minimum inclusion, egalitarianism, active participation, citizen-centric policies, fair, free, and frequent elections, freedom of expression, and equal choice. Unlike authoritative forms of governance where ultimate decision-making lies with the despotic, exclusivist monarchs or oligarchs, democracy provides an inclusive framework built upon the representations of citizens. It enables every member of society to have their say and bring changes that serve the masses in the best possible manner.

In a democracy, there is always room to accommodate more interests through greater civil liberties and rights. Unlike authoritarian setups where selective policy transformations are ordained from the above, policy changes are invoked through a bottom-to-top approach. All policies reflect the public’s choice, which is expressed either directly or through elected representatives. Unlike totalitarian systems where leaders are not accountable to anyone, democracy holds the powerful accountable and makes them conscious of people’s wellbeing.

Given the unmatched advantages of democracy, philosophers since Aristotle’s time have been sceptical of the practical application of democratic principles. They contended that all the characteristics of democracy are unattainable in any political entity. The absence of education and knowledge prevents a large section of the population from engaging in the democratic culture meaningfully. Modern-day critics term democracy as equivalent to European and West-sponsored capitalists’ parasitic political projects aimed at keeping the lesser developed and post-colonial countries entangled in their ill-will. Others call it a legitimisation tool for the capitalistic, political, religious, bureaucratic, and corporate elements.

Undeniably, democratic principles have been contaminated with neoliberalism, extractive strains, and crony capitalism. Democratic institutions have been encroached on by capitalistic, feudal, and corporate magnets. Democratic governments have been carefully turned into business enterprises and legitimisation ploy for their glutinous power and material greed. This nexus of the hybrid elites keep the masses systematically deprived to avert any threat to their privileges.

Some of the forces undermining the democratic tenets today include populism, the global capitalist elite, politically motivated pseudo-nationalistic narratives, illiteracy, growing supremacist forces, political polarisation, widening social stratification, and surging human insecurity. Nevertheless, an ailing democracy can never be a valid justification for supporting totalitarianism. The salvation lies in remedying democracy. Institutions should be liberated and strengthened with inclusive and egalitarian socio-economic development strategies. Also, public enlightenment and active political participation can go a long way in establishing a real democratic culture in the world.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 17^th, 2022.

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