Thursday, February 13, 2014

Essential Thoughts On Democracy As A Perception

By Jerri Perry


Intellectuals have diverse thoughts on democracy. However, they can all come to an agreement on the fact that democracy is a rule with four major aspects. The facets include the rule of law, active involvement, free and fair elections and respect for basic human rights.

In this kind of regime, people are allowed to elect leaders of their choice. Citizens make a decision on who will be their representative in parliament and who will be the head of government. They do so by selecting among competing parties in a free and fair election. The new government formed after elections will be based on the approval of the governed.

Such a system holds the citizens sovereign. This simply means that they are the topmost form of political power. Authority flows from the people to those in office. Leaders stay in office for a limited time as provided for in the constitution of a given country. Before laws and policies are made, they must be supported by the majority in parliament. However, the interests of the minorities are still protected.

Nationals are charged with the responsibility of actively taking part in public affairs. They need to educate themselves on community matters. Their role is to monitor how the country is being run. The people have to feel free to air their concerns and views. An important way a person can be actively involved is by being a vibrant member of independent non governmental institutions. The independent institutions are often called civil society.

Ladies are an essential part of both political and civil affairs of a country. This group of citizens can contribute to the welfare of a country. Non governmental societies have to educate the ladies on their fundamental rights as well as their duties. This will enable the ladies become part and parcel of the affairs of their country whether political or communal. Just like the men in society, they need to take part in development projects.

Involvement in the general public should not be something forced. Similarly, membership to political parties ought to be voluntary. A person should not feel forced to be registered in an association he does not want in a democratic country. Still, no one should interfere with beliefs of others even when he does not share their beliefs. Democratic nations respect the diversity of every individual.

Basic rights and freedoms of citizens need to be upheld in accordance with international laws. Each individual can have his own belief system and practice his religion without fear. A person has the freedom to relate with others without being interfered with. This is called freedom of association.

Under the rule of law, justice is delivered promptly by knowledgeable, principled and independent representatives. This group of people ought to be sufficient in number, have enough resources and mirror the structure of the group of people they serve. Laws ought to be enacted in a fair and proficient manner. All in all, the different thoughts on democracy summarize the concept as rule solely meant for the people.




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