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Sunday, 17 February 2013

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Democracy defies definition

"Democracy arose from men thinking that if they are equal in any respect they are equal in all respects" - Aristotle

There is widespread ignorance of the meaning of democracy. The ignorance extends both to democratic theory and practice. Indeed it is the absence of a theoretical basis that may lead to a distortion of democracy in practice.

The misunderstanding of the meaning of democracy runs the wide gamut the world over. Some believe that democracy exists where power is concentrated in the hands of a clique in the name of the proletariat. Others are convinced that democracy means rule by a strong leader, provided he represents the people and not some special interest group still others, possibly a majority of those who profess faith in democracy, consider it primarily a welfare system. What many do not realise is that democracy is in its very essence a political system, designed for specific political objectives, the foremost of which is political freedom.

Socialism

Democracy is not the same as socialism even though socialist goals may be attained through democratic methods, as in the case of Sweden, for example. Nor is democracy to be equated with capitalism, even though free enterprise and private property may flourish within its framework, as found in the United States.

Those who misunderstand democracy and misuse its name also fail to realise that means are at least as important as ends. A violation of the means, that is to say, contempt for ethical values and human dignity, corrodes the heart of democracy.

Many fail to understand democracy because of its complexity. However, simple democracy may appear on the surface. It is actually a system of extreme intricacy, both intellectually and practically.

Definition

Democracy according to Woodrow Wilson 'is the most difficult form of government'. He did not exaggerate. It is easy to preach "freedom", "equality", and other concepts of democracy, but it is a totally different matter to put these goals into practise by democratic process.Many Western scholars are of the opinion that democracy is a product of western and Christian civilisation. They frequently ask whether it has any applicability to Asians and others whose culture is neither occidental nor protestant. They expressed serious doubt whether the democratic idea, so widely proclaimed as embedded in western policy, could really be exported. They have questioned whether democracy was suitable to any other group of people except the nations of North America and Europe.

Christian expression

The sceptics may be too pessimistic. The democratic plant is hardier and its allure greater than its critics admit. Although democracy has in recent years flourished in certain parts of the West, it is not true that it is a purely occidental or Christian expression.

There was democracy in ancient Greece and there is democracy in modern Israel and in India. Christendom cannot rightly stake out a claim to democracy. Most Christian countries have never, in fact, been democratic and much of Europe has always been ruled autocratically.Democracy transcends the occident its appeal is universal and experience has shown that non-westerners can practise or appreciate it. The idea of freedom which is embedded in democracy, seems to strike a sympathetic chord in the human heart everywhere.

Once the people have tasted some of the fruits of democracy, they do not easily forget it, as is proved by the millions who, at one time or another, have resisted Fascism, Nazism, and other forms of totalitarianism.

Despite the vast number of people who prefer to 'escape from freedom', there are always many others who will fight or yearn for it.Democratic political system is comparatively new in the history of mankind. Even though democracy was practised in Greece 2,500 years ago, it has achieved wide recognition only in our own times.The word 'democracy' acquired universal currency only in the 20th century until recently, the people of the world, with a few exceptions had not been exposed to democratic practices, appeals or possibilities.

In its totality, the democratic system - requiring patience with the intractable, respect for the unpalatable and moderation in the face of the fanatical and being based upon persuasion and law rather than brute force - presents a picture of bewildering intricacy that only the most mature try to manage. But those who understand it know that it is one of the noble political inventions of mankind, that there is no substitute for it if one wants to avoid cruelty and instability, and that its very difficulties offer a challenge worthy of a civilised man.

Characteristics

As democracy is difficult to practise, so it is also hard to explain it fully in words. It has never been easy to say with precision and inclusiveness what democracy is, primarily because one of its salient characteristics is its lack of rigid dogma or structured form. An understanding of it may lie in feelings as much as in reason.

There are two general aspects to democracy, the political - institutional and the behavioural. Briefly put democracy is a political system wherein the citizens share power freely, choose their rulers and retain control over their government.

In terms of political and institutions, democracy has at least five essential characteristics: Equality under the law, Equality of voting, Periodic election of representative, Legislation by majority rule and Freedom of political action and policy making.

Democracy is a way of feeling about humanity and society. It is a way of life. The way of democracy may be briefly described as centering around the recognition of human dignity. It can bring dignity to the life of the individual through 'freedom of the mind and spirit.

We may end with Woodrow Wilson that democracy beyond doubt is the most difficult form of government. It expects a great deal from man. It requires patience and prudence and compassion and goodwill. It calls, in addition, for another quality not easily come by namely, civic alertness and an active desire for freedom. But altogether its political and human superiority is such that its attainment must always constitute a challenge to civilised man.

 

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