Principles Of Democracy And Wishes Of The People

Written By Chikezie Chinkata, Abuja Operations, FRCN

It is often said that democracy is one of the best, if not the best system of government due to its attributes.

Among all the principles and features of democracy which includes, rule of law, limited tenure of government, independent judiciary, popular sovereignty, elected representatives among others, the principle of popular sovereignty appears more outstanding, all things being equal.

This can also be inferred by the very popular definition of democracy, “government of the people,by the people and for the people”.

This definition has attracted so many debates by scholars, whether the outcomes of democratic processes are really the reflection of the wishes of the people.

The fact remains that there are stages of participation and electoral activities involved before the elected representatives finally emerge. So, it is also the people who are involved and consequently will determine those who will represent them.

This also underscores the fact that it is the people who are truly responsible directly or indirectly for the election of persons who become their leaders.

Many a times, the argument and blames have always been heaped on politicians and all who seek for electiive positions.

Going by the very popular definition of democracy, the role of the people is definitely the issue as much is deserved from the electorates.

Though there are electoral rules guiding every political system and particular democratic processes, the point is that the person seeking elective position is desperately interested in ensuring that he or she emerges successful.

Hence on this note, the electorates need to be transparent and committed in their efforts towards achieving a reliable outcome.

For instance, some methods adopted by various democratic processes have helped in making it easy for people to vote under the umbrella of ethnicity, religion, personal interest and other sentiments while in the open they claim to love and support the most popular candidate, their brother or sister, who in fact they did not vote for and will never vote for.

Just to mention one, the secret ballot method of voting in many democratic processes has always sprung surprises when election results are released.

This is contrary to the open ballot approach system where electorates are expected to line behind their candidates.

Apart from electoral malpractices that could be attributed to compromise on the part of the electoral officers and agents, nevertheless, it is the representatives of the people who agreed to betray the confidence reposed on them.

Given the fact that it is pertinent for politicians to abide by the electoral rules, it is a known fact, that politicians all over the world will do all it takes to ensure victory in elections.

It is only a committed and patriotic security network, independent electoral body and transparent judicial process that can stop his or her quest.

Again, it is also on the part of the people to ensure that patriotism and national interest become the guiding compass for the citizens actions in an effort to check the excesses of a desperate politician.

To this end, as the nation keeps advancing in her democracratic processes, it is necessary for citizens to appreciate the fact that their actions have a lot to contribute towards ensuring that electoral processes in any democratic setting are free and fair enough for credible candidates to be elected.

On the other hand, politicians should exercise restraint in their quest, having in mind that finally in every circumstance, the will of God will be done and no desperation can stop His will, according to the word of God.

As is written in the Bible, Psalm, chapter 62 verse 11 and 12, “God hath spoken once, twice have I heard this, that Power belongeth unto God.

Also, unto thee, O Lord belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.

Also, in Quran chapter 3 verse 26 “Say O’Allah, Lord of all dominion; You give dominion to whom you will and take away dominion from whom you will. You exalt whom you will And abase whom you will.

“Allah is the one that gives power to whoever he wishes and takes it away from whomever he wishes”.