Do elections equal democracy?
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Transcript of Do elections equal democracy?
What is Democracy
• Democracy describes a system of making rules for a group of people
• “The rule of the people.”• By nature, its a form of government
based on the premise that each citizen is politically equal
• No class of people have the right to govern, everybody has the same freedom, rights and liberties
Democracy = Elections
• Referendums in direct democracies – Switzerland – Anyone can vote about anything
• Consensus decision making – Reminiscent of the ancient Greek
system – Anyone can discuss about anything
until a common consensus is reached
• Because all these processes are long, it results in the participation of genuinely interested people
Democracy = Elections
• Lottery Elections – Deep belief that officials are given
equal chances to succeed – It was irrelevant whether or not a
particular candidate had more support or financial backing
– Wealth was immaterial – Equality for all citizens
• Add more if you want…
Democracy not = Elections
• Show Elections could be held
– “Single Candidate” show elections• Only one candidate; no alternative choices
for voters to vote beyond this one candidate
– “Fixed Vote” show election • Offers several candidates • Government uses intimidation or vote
rigging to ensure high ‘yes’ vote • Or, only government approved candidates
are chosen
– Example: Iraq, when Saddam Hussein was still in power
Democracy not = Elections
– “False Diversity” show election • Several choices available that ALL
supports the status quo
– Government controls media• Where most voters are informed• Eg. 2004 re-election of Russian president
Vladimir Putin – State controlled media and condemned
oppositions
– Virtually unlimited free advertising for Putin’s campaigning
• Opposition parties not given access to radio, newspaper and television coverage
• Media becomes biased
Democracy not = Elections
– Opposition parties do not enjoy rights to freedom of speech/movement/assembly to voice opinions to voters
• Politicians are harassed ; events organised by them are disrupted
• Eg. Zimbabwe (history of political violence and unfair elections)
– Since campaigning requires good financial support, wealthy people given better chances
• Rich people who lack principles are favoured by media
• Wins and overpowers candidates who are poorer but more honest
– Add more if you want…
Conclusion
• Supports more that democracy does not equal elections
The End
• Done by: – Andre – Jie Yong – Joyce – Kuan Yee
– To add: benedict….? HAHA.