What is Democracy? Why Democracy?
Democracy: Form of government in which rulers are elected by the people.
Features of Democracy:
● The final decision making power must rest with those elected by the people.
● Must be based on free and fair elections where those in power have a fair chance of losing.
● Each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote must have one value.
● Must rule within limits set by the constitution and respect citizens’s rights.
Decisions must be made by those elected:
Pakistan -
● General Parvez Musharraf led a military coup in October 1999.
● Overthrew the democratically elected government.
● Declared himself ‘Chief Executive’ of Pakistan.
● Changed designation to President.
● Held a referendum (a vote in which all the people in a country are asked to give their opinion about,
in this case, about continuing his rule) in 2002 which granted him a 5 year extension.
● Media, human rights organisations and activists said that it was based on malpractices and fraud.
● Issued ‘Legal Framework Order’ that amended Pakistan’s Constitution in August 2002.
● According to this order, the President can dismiss national and provincial assemblies.
● Work of the civilian cabinet was supervised by a National Security Council.
● After the law was passed, elections were held to the national and provincial assemblies.
● Elected representatives had some power, but final power rested with military officials and General
Musharraf.
Fair elections:
China -
● Elections are held every 5 years for electing the parliament, the National People’s Congress
(Quanguo Renmin Daibiao Dahui).
● It appoints the President.
● Has 3000 elected members (some elected by the army).
● Candidate needs approval from the Chinese Communist Party for contesting.
● Only members of CCP or its 8 allied smaller parties were allowed to contest in the 2002-03
elections.
● Government is always formed by the CCP.
Mexico -
● Gained independence in 1930.
● Elections are held after every 6 years to elect the President.
● Never been under military/dictator’s rule.
● Until 2000, every election was won by PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party).
● PRI used dirty tricks to win elections.
● People employed in government offices had to attend its meetings.
Democracy: Form of government in which rulers are elected by the people.
Features of Democracy:
● The final decision making power must rest with those elected by the people.
● Must be based on free and fair elections where those in power have a fair chance of losing.
● Each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote must have one value.
● Must rule within limits set by the constitution and respect citizens’s rights.
Decisions must be made by those elected:
Pakistan -
● General Parvez Musharraf led a military coup in October 1999.
● Overthrew the democratically elected government.
● Declared himself ‘Chief Executive’ of Pakistan.
● Changed designation to President.
● Held a referendum (a vote in which all the people in a country are asked to give their opinion about,
in this case, about continuing his rule) in 2002 which granted him a 5 year extension.
● Media, human rights organisations and activists said that it was based on malpractices and fraud.
● Issued ‘Legal Framework Order’ that amended Pakistan’s Constitution in August 2002.
● According to this order, the President can dismiss national and provincial assemblies.
● Work of the civilian cabinet was supervised by a National Security Council.
● After the law was passed, elections were held to the national and provincial assemblies.
● Elected representatives had some power, but final power rested with military officials and General
Musharraf.
Fair elections:
China -
● Elections are held every 5 years for electing the parliament, the National People’s Congress
(Quanguo Renmin Daibiao Dahui).
● It appoints the President.
● Has 3000 elected members (some elected by the army).
● Candidate needs approval from the Chinese Communist Party for contesting.
● Only members of CCP or its 8 allied smaller parties were allowed to contest in the 2002-03
elections.
● Government is always formed by the CCP.
Mexico -
● Gained independence in 1930.
● Elections are held after every 6 years to elect the President.
● Never been under military/dictator’s rule.
● Until 2000, every election was won by PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party).
● PRI used dirty tricks to win elections.
● People employed in government offices had to attend its meetings.
