Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Pros and cons of Democracy' that was published in Newsband

Pros and cons of Democracy

Most people prefer democracy as the best form of government. A form of government in which one notionally has a voice is the most desirable. Also, democracy has delivered much more for the marginalised sections.  

Some believe a strong leader would do well to take decisions on his or her own and do away with elections and Parliament. Perhaps this reflects frustration with a system in which representative is simply not delivering equally and efficiently to all.

The essential characteristics of democracy are the freedom to take part in protests and demonstrations, evidence of a country that holds the right to dissent dear, and existence of several welfarist ideals — provision of basic necessities such as food, clothing and shelter, as well as a narrowing gap between the rich and the poor and job opportunities for all. These are most cherished tenets of democracy.

India is looking for a welfarist democracy that delivers. At present we have almost all the politicians who are out to make a quick buck once in power. When votes and voters are bought by offering them wet grinders, flat screen TVs, drugs, alcohol etc. instead of healthy debates between contestants where they argue and defend their ideologies, it cannot be called democracy. Democracy also entails separation of powers, a free press and freedom of speech. Under democracy one party always devotes its chief energies to trying to prove that the other party is unfit to rule - and both commonly succeed, and are right.

An important facet of true democracy is separation of powers i.e. mutual independence between the executive, judicial and legislative arms of the government. Sadly, this does not occur in India and therein lies one of the major causes of distrust, fear and dilution of democracy. The police, security forces, investigative agencies and even the judiciary are not perceived as being fair or free.

Also, there are limits to freedom of the press when it comes to areas such as inciting racial or religious disharmony etc. etc. But that is for the courts to decide and not for the executive that does not like the press pointing out its faults and flaws. It is for the judiciary to decide and not an executive that press has managed to embarrass.

Another thing is that only those having special qualification, work experience and are distinguished in their field must be appointed there by virtue basis not by nomination basis or election basis.

India needs a good constructive opposition which take part in debate, which tells not only fault but also tells cure. Every action should be taken for the sake of the country and not for sake of their party.

The American satirist and journalist Henry Louis Mencken (1880-1956) famously said: “Under democracy one party always devotes its chief energies to trying to prove that the other party is unfit to rule - and both commonly succeed, and are right”.