To analyze the quality of a democracy, that is, to ask how
‘good’ a democracy is, requires not only that we clearly define democracy, but
also that we establish a clear concept of quality.
The basis of a good democracy are the citizen-individuals,
the territorial communities, and the various forms of associations with common
values, traditions, or aims. Hence a good democracy is when a territory is defined with a specific population controlled by institutions of the state
under a publicly elected government. However this definition of democracy and the
criteria on which a democratic state can be labeled as a good democracy
practitioner is quite complex hence it is hard to define any nation in absolute democracy terms.
Similarly, Pakistan is thought to be a Democratic state, however the socio-economic problems faced by this nation is actually the result of the practices which opposes the principles of democracy. The option remains open to the people of Pakistan, whether they want to be only labelled as democratic state or do they actually want to enjoy the perks of residing in a country with true democracy.
Similarly, Pakistan is thought to be a Democratic state, however the socio-economic problems faced by this nation is actually the result of the practices which opposes the principles of democracy. The option remains open to the people of Pakistan, whether they want to be only labelled as democratic state or do they actually want to enjoy the perks of residing in a country with true democracy.
4 comments:
If us Pakistanis had the power to make our country a 'true' democracy the way we are theoretically told it works, we would have done it long ago. However, are we can see our traditional voting system of electing our own representatives has not been working out. I agree that democracy is the best way and it is WE, the people who shall bring about change but not in this manner. As to what manner will bring about this change is still a question.
The problem with Pakistan is that the citizens neither have common goals nor do they have an option. Most of our population is uneducated and probably does not even know the meaning of democracy and those who know do not possess enough power because a large chuck of our population votes for their tribal leaders, contrary to national interests.
The problem with Pakistan is that the citizens neither have common goals nor do they have an option. Most of our population is uneducated and probably does not even know the meaning of democracy and those who know do not possess enough power because a large chuck of our population votes for their tribal leaders, contrary to national interests.
Ariba - I agree that democracy needs to be clearly defined in order to gauge the prospects of it being applied to a particular nation, but do you think there can be one, universalized definition? I mean, can one definition fit the different contexts, histories, cultural lineages etc. that different countries are born in?
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