Setting
The principles and practices of democracy continue to spread ever more widely, and it is hard to imagine that there is a corner of the globe into which they will not eventually penetrate. But the euphoria of democratic revolutions typically short-lived and its attainment seems typically to be followed by disgruntlement and even cynicism about the actual operation of democratic institution. It might be widely accepted that democracy is a good things, yet it is equally apparent that democrats have much work to do in improving the performance of democratic institutions. Democracy’s doubters tend to accuse democracy of suffering from at least five significant design flaws:
- Short-termism: Due to their electoral cycles, democracies struggle to focus on long-term problems and usually remain mired in short-term policy approaches.
- Pain aversion: To the limited extent they do manage to look to the long term, democratic politicians are averse to imposing near-term pain for long-term gain because of their need to keep voters happy for the next election.
- Elite capture: By opening up decision-making power to competition among politicians who are constantly in need of money for elections, democratic systems are prone to becoming captured by the wealthy.
- Division and conflict: Competitive elections foment or exacerbate destructive societal divisions, generating conflict and undercutting a strong sense of national unity and purpose.
- Voter ignorance: Relying on ordinary citizens to choose leaders and make judgments among them based on policy performance condemns democracies to leadership and policy choices that reflect chronic voter ignorance and irrationality.
Certainly, these are all serious issues in Asian Countries including Nepal. Successive country’s administrations have proven woefully unable to focus sustained attention on a raft of major long-term challenges-whether it is infrastructure decay, the role of entitlement spending in the budget, or climate change-and unwilling to craft reforms that inflict short-term pain for the sake of long-term gain. The disproportionate influence of elite families, wealthy individuals, criminals, and corporations in the country’s legislative process is a well-known reality. With respect to political competition producing divisions and conflict, the political system is indeed beset by a high degree of polarization and a correspondingly low sense of common purpose. And looking at the state of political leadership today, it would be hard not to see voter ignorance and irrationality as major concerns.
- But should we blame democracy itself, or should we blame ourselves for the pathologies of our own politics? In other words, are these problems in fact endemic to democracies? And are authoritarian governments largely able to avoid them, as some enthusiasts of authoritarianism claim?
- Is an effective solution possible to meet all of the challenges facing humanity today in the fields of economy, ecology, human security, global governance and peace? We often see people fighting for their rights. Why do they have to do this even though we are a part of a democratic society? Is democracy the best way to run a country? What are the limitations and the challenges faced in the democracy?
In the current globalizing context, many countries have copied democracy, but most of the countries are unsuccessful in it. Consequences of this, many countries faced trouble in governance, violence, and poverty, and disintegration and sovereignty of the country are threatened. What could be the reason for this? Is democracy really in crisis? What could be the reason for the crisis of democracy despite long exercise and tests? Despite its popular universal values and principles, is it necessary to redefine democracy, now? Or is there any need or room for improvement?
The major component of democracy, its interpretation and definition, and implementation method may be reconsidered at a local and regional level. A majoritarian democracy or democracy based on truth and necessity- who will decide which is suitable for them? By the international community or by a body of a local citizen, who advocates the native culture-faith–based democratic practices? Of course, it is far easier to perceive the need for reform or revision than to prescribe a specific proposal.
Democracy Observation Network (DON) is examining the root causes of these multiple challenges in order to formulate an integrated perspective, comprehensive strategy, and detailed policy framework attuned to the realities, needs, and emerging opportunities of the 21st century.
Thematic Area
- Election: Processes and Procedure
- Civil Society
- Governance
- Part Internal Democracy
- Empowering Local Government
- Federal and Parliament Exercise
- Cross Cutting Issues
Activities
- Research Work
- Intern
- Conference and Seminars
- Capacity Building Courses
- Public Event
- Outreach Program
- Philanthropic Activities