Written by:
Onaolapo Adedeji
myownnigeria.com

 Understanding Democracy

Democracy is simply a form of government or the principle by which affairs of a state are directed. Today, it is the most popular form of government. There are other forms of government like socialism, communism, militarism, monarchism and so on. Socialism was as popular as democracy in not so distant past especially during the so called Cold War era and before the collapse of the Soviet Union. The twin policy of 'perestroika and glasnost' which translates as 'new political thinking and openness' paved way for the democratic culture that is today witnessed in the Republic of Russia. Democracy has endured this long because of its participatory nature. It is a system of government that allows every individual who has a voting right to have a say on how their leader is chosen.

As said above many countries in the world today are ruled by democratic governments and these include France, Italy, Spain, Holland, Britain, Canada, the USA, Russia, and many countries in South America, Asia and Africa. It is worth pointing out here that Russia, China and several countries of Africa like Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa are usually referred to as young democracy' simply because they did not embrace democracy as a form of government early enough. America is generally regarded as the largest democracy in the world, and together with the Britain are the major champions of democracy in the world. These two countries, however, practice different systems of government. While America practices a presidential system, Britain embraces parliamentary. Both types of government are variants of democracy and, quite frankly, have worked well for the two countries. But same cannot be said for some other countries of the world.

Let us examine some observed reasons why democracy has failed in some places. The first reason that comes to mind is the voting system. Voting system is a very important ingredient of democracy and where this is too weak or too complex there is a tendency for fraudulent activities. Voting system can also be designed in such a way that voters are scared to come out to exercise their voting rights. We know that voters in any advanced democracy take this for granted.

Cultural background can also be adduced as a reason for a failed democracy. Often most countries suddenly wake up to the reality that they must embrace democracy if they must be qualified to court rich nations. Where cultural practice is a world away from democracy even a most willing government may find it difficult to convince its citizens to accept democracy.

Ethnic Mix of a country can also hinder propagation of democracy. A mono-ethnic country, baring any deep cultural attachment, can adapt more easily to democracy than an ethnically diverse one where levels of reception may vary.
Poverty has also undermined greatly processes of democratic developments in some countries. Politicians have often played money politics, and cashed in on the poverty of the populace by using money to buy votes and conscience thereby thwarting democratic processes.

Another reason why democracy has failed in some places is the absence of the rule of law. Rule of law is often undermined especially by the incumbent governments and gross violations of human rights are not uncommon. The judiciary is often a stooge of the executive and court orders are not for the executive to obey.
Democracy has a lot of attractions, and of these, freedom to choose is the most appealing. In counties where democracy has thrived there is strict observance of the rule of law. But democracy is not just about politics. It is a phenomenon that permeates every facet of the corporate existence of a country be it social or economic. While some apologists of socialism have criticized democracy for breeding capitalism, it is generally agreed that it is a system that provides equal opportunity for all to attain any height. Under a true democracy freedom of speech is guaranteed, human rights are strictly observed and the justice system is upright. Democracy is now a most fashionable form of government and it is hard to hear a voice raised against it. But having said that, it is not to be assumed that democracy is a panacea for all political ills. Circumstances differ with countries and it will be insensitive to regard democracy as a template that works same for all countries.

Most of all, politicians have a great role to play in the entrenchment of democracy in any society since most factors that hinder its growth are human. Just like I once posed this question to a group of friends:" Why can't politics be played by people other than the politicians?" They all laughed. Ultimately, we are all political animals.