PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY
Democracy comes from the Greek word, "demos," meaning people. In
democracies, it is the people who hold sovereign power over legislator and
government.
Democracy comes from the Greek word, "demos," meaning people. In
democracies, it is the people who hold sovereign power over legislator and
government.
And what are these principles?
1. Citizen Participation: Participation is the key role of citizens in democracy. It is not
only their right, but it is their duty. Citizen participation may take many forms including
standing for election, voting in elections, becoming informed, debating issues,
attending community or civic meetings, being members of private voluntary
organizations, paying taxes, and even protesting. Participation builds a better
democracy.
2. Equality: Democratic societies emphasize the principle that all people are equal.
Equality means that all individuals are valued equally, have equal opportunities, and
may not be discriminated against because of their race, religion, ethnic group, gender
or sexual orientation.
3. Accountability: In a democracy, elected and appointed officials have to be
accountable to the people. They are responsible for their actions. Officials must make
decisions and perform their duties according to the well wishes of the people, not for
themselves.
4. Transparency: For government to be accountable the people must be aware of what
is happening in the country. This is referred to as transparency in government. A
transparent government holds public meetings and allows citizens to attend. In a
democracy, the press and the people are able to get information about what
decisions are being made, by whom and why.
5. Regular, Free and Fair Elections: A way citizens of the country express their will is
by electing officials to represent them in government. Democracy insists that these
elected officials are chosen and peacefully removed from office in a free and fair
manner. Intimidation, corruption and threats to citizens during or before an election
are against the principles of democracy.
6. Economic Freedom: People in a democracy must have some form of economic
freedom. This means that the government allows some private ownership of property
and businesses, and that the people are allowed to choose their own work and
labour unions. The role the government should play in the economy is open to
debate, but it is generally accepted that free markets should exist in a democracy
and the state should not totally control the economy.
ADEWARA ADETOMIWA, Sumy State University, student from Nigeria
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