The Edge of Democracy

Democracy, originating from the Greek "demos" , which essentially means the people..by the people, for the people. The whole initial point of elections are to voice the opinions of the public and have their interest represented by the "elected officials" who are all held responsible to their constituents. Representing all sectors of society , democracy in theory  creates a system which allows the people to change their representative if they are not satisfied  or just wanting a change in office .These selected few, MP's, senators, governor  should not be motivated by their own individual gains, wants or interest s they are rightfully of service to the public, but is this always the case? Are these few elite always working in our best interest  or are the motivated by other means, business, political peer pressure , financial incentives?

In the recent decade  with all the political drama that has occurred let's be honest with ourselves, how many times have you questioned the authenticity of the real motives.  It's an all to familiar pattern, before elections we  are force feed utopian ideals and promises which in turn strangles the voice of rationality in our heads.

Broken promise: A prime example,  UK elections before the liberal democrats had any hopes of gaining any significant political power, the campaigned to students about tuition fees and that putting them in power would protect them from any arbitrary attacks on fees. We feel for it like suckers...Voting them in. Not a year into their coalition with the Conservatives and students fees have tripled. Yes...Tripled. Little do the liberal democrats know, they have severely crippled any possible opportunity being re-elected into power from the future generation they have given the proverbial middle finger to. 

Power Hogs:  Some heads of states who swear to vow by the constitution seem to forget the underlining basics.. Free and Fair elections? Cameroon for instance, a country with a population of 20 million, gained independence in the 60's but has only ever had 2 presidents. Paul Biya, claiming to win every election free and fair year, after year after year? Do we think that is the case? Since 83 the country's economic and social status is severely undermined, so why would the electorate not like a change. Democracy they claim, democracy they shout.  Cameroon is just one of the number of country's who claim their electorate still vote for the same , lets name a few more. Zimbabwe, Russia and its single party system..Just as bad, Cuba's Castro ( We love his revolutionary style but his still a power hog).  It leads one to think of two words that come to mind...

Corruption and Bribery ...

Issues we will discuss next week...

Author: Eto Elad

UN Online Volunteer

UNV Volunteer
For: Initiative Nepal