DEMOCRACY AND ITS AGENCIES

DEMOCRACY AND ITS AGENCIES 

RAHUL RAMYA

14th June 2024

Patna, India

Democracy evolves through continuous discourse, dissent, protests, persuasion, and compromise. Laws, rules, and norms establish an environment for democratic values to flourish. Elections and governments are byproducts. True democracy thrives on ongoing debates about critical issues like economic inequality, access to education, or environmental protection. Without such discourse, democracy falters. In a true democracy, citizens believe it empowers them, not just their leaders. Leaders serve to find solutions to the people's problems, making public engagement essential and their own role secondary to achieving these solutions.

Democracy thrives on active participation, not just elections and institutions. These structures exist to channel discussions, resolve disagreements, and find solutions for human development. However, a common misconception is that elections, institutions, and leaders lead democracy. The public's awareness lies in utilizing these tools to address their concerns and prevent their decline. Weakening these institutions weakens democracy itself.

Hence, the phrase "electoral democracy" is a faulty concept. There cannot be such a thing as "electoral democracy." Instead, there can be democratic elections, and people should inquire whether their electoral processes are democratic or not. This ensures that the purity of elections is maintained. This same argument applies to institutions, governments, and leaders, and such inquiries keep democracy vibrant and engaged.

The concept of "electoral democracy" being a misnomer is an interesting point. It emphasizes that while elections are a fundamental component of democracy, they are not its sole defining feature. **Democratic elections** are a means to an end – the end being a government that is responsive and accountable to its citizens. The true measure of a democracy's health is how well it incorporates the voices of its people in decision-making processes, especially on critical issues like economic inequality, access to education, and environmental protection.

The role of institutions, then, is to facilitate this discourse and ensure that the democratic process is inclusive, transparent, and fair. When institutions falter, the democratic process is compromised. Thus, the public must remain vigilant and engaged, ensuring that these institutions function as intended and that leaders are held accountable.

Indeed, democracy is not a static entity but a living process that requires active and continuous engagement from its citizens. The essence of democracy lies in the participation of the populace in shaping their governance and societal democracy is not just a system of government but a continuous journey towards a more just and equitable society. It's about empowering individuals to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the common good.