LET US DEBATE CONTEST-2 (Democracy in the world today. Does it really exist in the truest sense?)
May 23 2008 | Views 222 |
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Tags: newshopper elements of democracy debate contest human conflicts adult suffrage
Tags: newshopper elements of democracy debate contest human conflicts adult suffrage
LET US DEBATE CONTEST-2
(Democracy in the world today. Does it really exist in the truest sense?)
kvakutty
Democracy can be understood better in the context of human nature, which is driven by two contradictory forces of love and hatred. Man loves himself and those related or attached to him much more than he can ever love others. Man’s needs and desires for worldly goods and amenities also create conflicts due to scarcity and competition. Man’s progress towards civilization is mainly a continuous endeavor to resolve these fundamental conflicts, so that people can live in a state of peace and happiness. To this end, forms of government of various types were attempted from time to time. In the past, this was mostly achieved by use of force by the strong to subjugate the weak. People submitted to this whenever food (necessary for very survival) was of primary concern and freedom came only after that.
Mankind had to pass through many stages of slavery before it learned the art of collective functioning for common good.
Resolution of human conflicts was not however easy. It was a complex process. Democracy is the flowering of human wisdom struggling to find ways for human beings to collectively live together in peace. It has been made possible by the sacrifice of generations of people. It is not something which can be taken for granted. It is always under threat, in the form of complacency of the people, and adventurism of ambitious individuals and groups. Vigilance should be the watchdog of democracy.
Essential elements of democracy are:
Recognition that common man is the ultimate custodian of power.
Democracy is the rule by people (all people), directly or through elected representatives.
Election should be based on adult suffrage, fair and free, by secret vote and on ‘one person one vote’ basis.
Power is transferred to representatives only for definite periods, (as prescribed by law), as they should win the trust of people from time to time. There must be a constitution or a supreme law or convention to guide representatives and they should be accountable for their actions.
When power of State is exercised by different agencies ( legislative, executive, judiciary etc.) there must be checks and balances to ensure they do not encroach on others’ functions.
Fundamental and other Freedoms of citizens are clearly provided for or guaranteed
under the Constitution or laws.
Dissent and freedom of expression are fundamental for the functioning of democracy.
No power on earth can guarantee democracy. It has to be nourished and nurtured by the people concerned.
Activities of representatives should be under the watchful eyes of the people.
Failure of democracy can result from the following:
If poverty and illiteracy prevail, the poor and illiterate are exploited by the more privileged.
Economic inequalities weaken democracy.
Education is a must or democracy will be less effective.
Corruption and inefficiency among politicians and officials.
Sectional or religious interests overriding national interests.
Number of nations who claim they are having democratic systems, have grown substantially over the past sixty years. But all essential elements of democracy are not present in many of them.
They have been evolved to suit the genius of the people concerned. There are no ideal democracies. Each is meant to suit the needs of the people for whom it is designed.
India has been fortunate to have a democratic form of government, for the last sixty years nearly. This was made possible by the constitution of India and by enacting of many laws to give effect to its provisions and to the needs of the people.
We cannot claim our democracy is ideal. But considering the diversities in our nation, our democracy was molded to suit the genius of our people. We are indebted to the selfless generations of freedom fighters who gave us not only freedom but also our wonderful constitution and the ideals to live by. They cherished in their hearts the welfare of coming generations. But for their sacrifice, who knows, we may now be living under some kind of tyranny.
Despite manly deficiencies, our democracy has worked very well. If it has failed in some respects it is due to corruption and inefficiency and lack of patriotism.
As a remedy, I would suggest that when a politician or official commits a crime, the punishment should be at least five times more severe than the punishment for an ordinary citizen committing similar crime. This will prevent criminals and dishonest people entering politics and or government services.
There is no inequity or injustice in this suggestion as the above categories of people are there to serve the people. If in stead they cheat, they should be severely punished. Nobody is compelled to be a politician or government functionary. If anyone chooses such a career or mission he should be honest. If not he should be made to pay for the dishonesty or crime committed. They have the freedom to choose. Why should common people carry on their heads the burden of guilt and crime of these cheats and criminals wearing the garb of democracy?
© kvakutty., all rights reserved.
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