Democracy is an ace system of governance where people are free to choose their leaders, practice freedom of expression and have an equal say in making laws. However, the state of democracy for each country varies. According to politician Lynton Crosby, this is strictly depending on various factors such as history, culture, and the public’s opinion. In some countries, democracy is thriving, while in others, it may be dying. You may be seeing the signs that democracy is dying in your country. So how do we know if democracy is at its dying stage? Here is what experts have to say about it.
Suppression of Dissent
One sign of an ailing democracy is when structural efforts begin to suppress the voices of dissent and protests. This can be seen through an internet censorship, restrictive laws on freedom of expression, or even excessive force used to quell protests. In a healthy democracy, the government must allow people to express their grievances and views without fear of retribution. On top of that, the public must have access to accurate and unbiased news and information without censorship.
Elimination of Checks and Balances
Another sign of a dying democracy is when the power of different branches of government becomes concentrated in one branch or person, such as the executive branch or even a single leader. This can happen when elected representatives are replaced by unelected and unaccountable officials or when the legislature is weakened by gerrymandering. Checks and balances are critical for a healthy democracy as it prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful. Not only that, it prevents the possibility of a dictatorship.
Erosion of Civil Liberties
Aside from those above, a further indication that democracy is failing in a country is when the public’s civil liberties start to erode. This can be seen through measures that limit individuals’ rights and freedoms, such as curfews, travel bans, or restrictions on freedom of speech. In a healthy democracy, people should remain free to express themselves without fear of persecution or punishment. While it seems like a small matter, these are essential elements of democracy that should not be taken for granted.
Rise of Authoritarianism
Finally, a tell-tale sign that democracy is on its last legs in a country is when authoritarianism begins to take root. This can happen when leaders start to manipulate the legal system for their own gain and use state power as a tool to suppress dissent and enfeeble other branches of government. When this happens, it is a clear sign that democracy is no longer functioning as intended and needs to be addressed immediately. Not only that, it could lead to more disastrous outcomes if left unchecked.
Therefore, by being mindful of the above signs and paying attention to the political environment in your country, you can help ensure that democracy is alive and well. We need to safeguard our rights and freedoms to preserve the essence of democracy. And this can only be done if we are aware of what is happening around us.