Need for a truly democratized polity
By
IN presenting this paper, I choose to ignore the undisputed existence of other systems of government or polities because the topic of the lecture implies full preference for true democratic practice of constitutional government. To assume otherwise, would invoke the need for a comparative examination of other systems of government such as Fascism, Aristocracy, Feudalism, Socialism, Communism, Oligarchy, Anarchism, Monarchy, Theocracy, Absolutism, Totalitarianism, Welfarism, Dictatorship and even other types of Democracy (social democracy, political democracy, pure democracy, etc.
Therefore, in borrowing the words of Robert Maynard Hurchins, let us declare that "Democracy is the only form of government that is founded on the dignity of man, not the dignity of some men, of rich men, of educated men or of white men, but of all men."
Democracy
Perhaps, the most common definition of true democracy is "Government of the people by the people for the people." Indeed, according to Winston Churchill, "Government of the people, by the people, for the people still remains the sovereign definition of democracy." However, some other respectable sources have also defined the system as "a popular control over collective decision making and decision makers and an equal right to share in such control," or government by persons freely chosen by and responsible to the governed."
Although these definitions may appear to cover the essence of true democracy, there is great need to highlight some attributes of that essence such as:
The rule of law (as a contradistinction to the rule of man);
The independence of the judiciary;
Constitutional governance;
Separation of powers; and
Observance and enforcement of human rights.
Institutional, Social and Legal Components of Democracy
As I am inclined to support the view that our current Democracy is transitional, it would be safe to assume that the democratisation process can never be conclusive. Therefore, those seeking to establish and consolidate new democracies or perfect established ones, must be seen to be engaged at different points, in similar ventures. In other words, there is nothing like a perfect democracy. Thus, if we had a demometer which begins at 0 and ends at 100, every country on earth can be accommodated at a certain level in this imaginary instrument of measurement.
The concept of democracy can be split into a set of very specific criteria or indices which are universally applicable in all countries, however much they differ in their cultural traditions or development status. It is these factors or components of democracy that make it possible for lawyers and social scientists to measure the level or degree of democracy in a given society.
For instance, although the principle of free and fair elections is widely accepted as a vital and indispensable component of democracy, it is one out of many essential ingredients of the system. Indeed, the practice of democracy actually continues after an election. A brief listing of some of these post-election ingredients of democracy will reveal the validity of this statement.
Open and accountable government;
socio-political freedom, that enables citizens to associate freely with others and to express divergent or unpopular views; existence of and active participation in political activities of independent and accountable institutions of civil society;
government consultative processes and procedures: (are public opinion and relevant interests systematically and openly consulted and respected prior to policy formulation and legislation?);
accessibility by the public to information about government actions and effects of government policies;
legislative supervision of the executive and effective scrutiny of executive spending;
accessibility of constituents to their representatives: ( are the views of such constituents well articulated by their representatives?);
incorruptible judiciary;
access to courts and to justice (can redress be obtained against government maladministration?
respect for human rights in the polity;
control of state security and other government agents against abuse of power and other transgressions;
national consciousness: (is there within the country, a general agreement on nationhood and a common national goal that cuts across religious and ethnic boundaries?
popular confidence in the political system and institutions: (is there confidence in the ability of government to solve the main problems confronting society?
unrestricted right to form political parties and the right to contest elections even as independent candidates; and
freedom of the press.
These and many more components constitute the measuring rod of a truly democratic society; and the quantity and quality of their presence in the Nigerian polity should determine the degree and level of existence of true democracy in our society.
Benefits of Democracy
In the light of the above, the benefits of democracy are obvious. However, time will not permit an elaborate analysis of its component parts. Suffice it to say that their inclusion and observance in our polity would impact positively on the lives of most Nigerians.
For instance, in 1989, a World Bank study revealed that of the 24 countries with the highest per capita income in the world, 21 were democracies. Conversely, only two out of the 42 poorest countries were democracies.
This correlation between economic development and democratic government has been noted by the international community and has led to increased and sometimes intense pressure on states not yet democratised. A case in point is the current polity of economic assistance to democratic/democratising states by Western powers. The imposition of sanctions on non-conforming states by the same powers has also become a common feature in the world order. A vibrant economy will no doubt ameliorate the quality of our power supply, improve the standard of our roads and telephone system and ensure steady supply of petroleum products and potable water.
Given the autocratic and intolerant posture of most regimes in this country, a truly democratised polity would eliminate incidents of arbitrary arrest and detention of citizens without trial. It would promote the right of assembly, freedom of speech, freedom of opinion, freedom of religion and freedom of the press.
The supremacy of the rule of law would protect life and property, the rights of women and children, the right to form political parties, the right to contest elections on the platform of a party or as an independent candidate and the right to participate in governance. It would engender free competition between parties and between programmes.
Since it is associated with peace and stability, democracy creates a conducive environment for social and economic development. Indeed, research on conflicts and wars over the past 200 years has clearly revealed that democracies tend to discourage and diminish conflicts. Thus, it is a plausible panacea for resolving social conflicts and discouraging military intervention in the polity.
Sensitive issues such as resource control, true federalism, rotational presidency, revenue derivation/allocation, privatisation and deregulation can better be resolved in an atmosphere of mutual trust and popular confidence in the political system.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is my considered opinion that the future and integrity of this country depend extensively on a conscious entrenchment of true democracy in the polity. We must promote a harmonious and acceptable system of governance that can establish a valid basis of association between the component units of the federation. There is an obvious need for a general agreement on nationhood and a common national goal that cuts across religious and ethnic boundaries. Indeed, I would say that there is an urgent need to convene a national conference.
Mr. Felix Ibru, was the first Executive Governor of Delta State