Democracy producing an intended consequence

 

Abraham Lincoln's famous statement, "government of the people, by the people, for the people," encapsulates the core ideals of democracy. The intended outcome of this statement was for the people to empower themselves by electing leaders who would prioritize their interests and decisions. The system aimed to place government and representatives at the service of the people, assuming that citizens possess the ability to discern the best leaders for their needs. However, has this assumption truly worked in favor of the people?

The assumption hinges largely on the conscious leadership of elected representatives, who are expected to act in the best interests of the populace without succumbing to selfish motives. Citizens, on the other hand, elect their leaders based on perceived capabilities, often lacking deep understanding of the candidates' agendas. Yet, this assumption faces threats from various social constructs such as tribal affiliations, religious biases,money and racial prejudices. Additionally, a lack of political education exacerbates the challenge of identifying accountable and value-driven leaders.

Social factors often overshadow the broader national interest during elections, leading to voting patterns dictated by tribal, religious, or racial identities and buying of votes. Political discourse becomes centered on divisive rhetoric rather than substantive issues, blinding citizens to the importance of informed decision-making. This phenomenon, prevalent in countries like Kenya, has entrenched regional divisions, rendering cross-tribal campaigns futile and perpetuating a cycle of tribal politics even at the grassroots level.

Economic status also plays a significant role in elections, as citizens disillusioned by self-serving leaders prioritize candidates who offer immediate financial gains. The pervasive belief that politicians serve their own interests rather than those of the populace fuels a culture of electoral bribery and corruption.

Many post-colonial nations, having inherited democratic systems without adapting them to suit local needs or addressing the diverse composition of their populations, have struggled to uphold democratic ideals effectively. Without contextualizing democratic principles to accommodate their unique circumstances, these countries have faltered in achieving the intended outcomes of democracy, perpetuating cycles of governance failures and societal divisions.

Ahmed Maalim

 

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