Democracy: Flawed But Necessary (Revised)

Does Democracy Work?

By Delight Asaph, 2021

As I walked through the streets of my hometown, I couldn't help but

wonder: does democracy truly work? The question seemed to linger in

the air, as if it was being whispered by the very bricks of the buildings

around me. I knew that asking this question to someone in Europe

would likely elicit a resounding "Yes!", but I couldn't help but wonder

what the response would be from someone in Africa. I think a sharp

“No!” is most likely the answer.

However, it’s pertinent to understand that their answers are all

products of their experiences, rather than facts or studies. Arguably,

there are no ‘perfect democracies’, but some societies are more

democratic than others.

I was born and raised in Nigeria, and throughout my living years has

only seen democracy as our form of government. Moreover, growing

up as a curious kid made me question a lot of things. The idea of

‘Democracy’ wasn’t left out as I pondered the actual meaning of the

word, and whether it was truly the beacon of freedom and equality that

it promised to be.

You see, as a child, I was taught by my history teacher about the poet

of democracy, Sir. Abraham Lincoln, whose idea of a democracy was

a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

Reflecting, I can’t help but wonder: did Lincoln's idea of a democracy

only thrive because it was fought for? Was it only loved and cherished

because those who lived in it understood what it felt like to be

oppressed by a dictatorship?

I am almost 21, and have not experienced a system of government

other than democracy. However, I can boldly say that Lincoln would

have frowned upon the ‘democracy’ we practice here. We practice a

kind of democracy that actually mocks every principle it (democracy)

was meant to stand by. This is a democracy that leaves power in the

hands of a few wealthy and privileged people, and dares anyone to try

to oppose it. A democracy where the interests of the public begins and

ends on a white piece of paper. A democracy without the vital pillar of

democracy – the people.

In June 1994, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, also known as

MKO Abiola was arrested, detained, and later killed by the then

military government of Nigeria for winning a ‘democratic’ election. The

military government had finally agreed to give the people a chance to

elect their leader, but when the time came to hand over power, that

was their response.

Why did the people vote for MKO Abiola? Why did they see a need to

be able to select who would rule them? Could it be that they were tired

of the military government they had all their lives and wanted

something else? Or did they just see that there was no future in a

system where they had no freedom to have a say in government?

Regardless of their reasons, the people embraced the idea of

democracy and elected leaders to represent them, understanding that

they had the power to remove them if they failed to serve their

interests.

Perhaps, the masses were short-sighted and failed to understand the

paradox of power. Maybe they failed to realize that even a system as

just as democracy can become corrupt and evolve into something

totally different from its meaning. My friend once said to me, “The bad

amongst us are a majority,” and it made me ponder, if that is true,

doesn't it mean that the bad will always rule us?

Dale Carnegie once wrote in his book, “When dealing with people, let

us remember we are not dealing with creatures of logic. We are

dealing with creatures of emotions, creatures bristling with prejudices

and motivated by pride and vanity.” If Dale is right in his assertions,

then isn’t it safe to say that the possibility of a government based

solely on the actions of people being perfect is hopeless?

Throughout history, we have seen men do crazy things for power, and

even much worse for freedom. Amidst this ruckus, we have seen

democracy evolve and change. But despite its flaws and

imperfections, democracy offers us something that no other system of

government would freely give: a chance to right our wrongs.

Democracy offers us the opportunity to learn from our mistakes and

create a better future for ourselves. It makes us responsible for our

choices and decisions, and keeps us interested and aware of the

happenings around us. As someone who has lived under a democratic

system of government all his life, I believe that democracy is flawed,

just as we as humans are flawed. However, I also believe that it is this

very imperfection that allows us to continually strive for a better, more

just society. So, my answer to the big question is yes.

Even though democracy magnifies our collective prejudices and

makes the minority a slave to the majority's will, it works. Democracy

works.

Published 31 January 2023