The
purpose of this article is to outline what constitutes a true democracy and to
request Ugandans and their friends to judge the extent to which
democratic government and to offer suggestions for improvement, if any.
Democracy
comes from the Greek word demos, meaning
people, and kratos, meaning rule hence rule by the people and
implying some form of equality among the people. According to Abraham Lincoln democracy
is a ‘government of the people, by the people, for the people’. Democracy also
refers to a country that has a democratic form of government. Since it is
impossible for all the people to meet in one place – direct or pure democracy
which was practiced in ancient
representatives who make decisions such as laws on their behalf. Democracies recognize
that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and in rights as
contained in article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The
basis of democracy is liberty (freedom) which is the only form of government
that is founded on the dignity of man, not on the dignity of some people, of
rich people or of educated people but of all people. In a true democracy,
everyone should be respected and no one idolized.
Democracy
guarantees freedom of speech, press, assembly and religion. The goal of a democratic
society is to provide opportunities for all people to develop their potential
and make full use of their abilities.
People
pursue democracy to protect their human rights. They hold the view that the
greatest threat to their freedom and equality is political. Accordingly, they
ensure that a government that does not pass the test is changed at the earliest
opportunity through a democratic process that makes violent revolutions
unnecessary. Democracy therefore facilitates an orderly political change and
succession of leaders.
In social
democracies, governments play an active role in removing inequalities –
economic, social and political – and promoting freedom and opportunity for all.
Democratic nations provide programs to ease suffering such as unemployment,
poverty and food insecurity and to develop the human potential through
education, health care and housing etc.
Democracy
involves widespread and effective participation in politics by the people through
for example voting in local and national elections. Citizens should also help in
shaping public opinion by speaking out on important issues and by supporting
the political party of their choice. Effective and well-informed Participation checks
corrupt and inefficient governments.
Democracy
has a good chance of success in countries that have educated and prosperous
members that can understand issues and intelligently participate in the
political and development discourse and enlighten the public. Democratic
institutions must produce leaders worthy of public trust, fully transparent and
accountable to the public and who rely on qualified and experienced advisers.
Democracy
also has a good chance of success in countries that have stable economies devoid
of extremes in wealth and poverty. Democratic governments experience serious
political difficulties during economic hard times characterized by mass
unemployment or starvation that lead to riots and other forms of disturbances
which could result in a change of government.
Important
features of democracy include free elections, majority rule and minority
rights, political parties, division of power and constitutional government.
Free
and secret voting give people a chance to choose their leaders through
periodically conducted election. Periodic elections allow voters to replace
representatives that did not do a good job. Free and fair elections also ensure
that results are protected against dishonesty including rigging.
Majority
rule does not mean that the majority party can do whatever it wants: it must
keep in mind the rights and freedoms of minority parties. Accordingly, the majority
party cannot take away basic freedoms such as of speech, press, assembly and
religion.
Democratic
governments provide an enabling environment for individuals and private
organizations to undertake activities with minimum government interference
except to establish and enforce regulations and protect property rights.
The
role of opposition parties is to criticize government policies and actions
making it transparent and accountable to the people. Democratic governments observe
the law and respect the division of power among the branches of government so
that there are checks and balances.