Are we really Democratic?

by Peter R. Ramsaroop

A democratic form of government is self-rule by the people through elected representatives who are to ideally enact the will of the people concerning the affairs of the country. In modern society, democracy is the noblest form of government, as well as the most precarious, because its efficaciousness relies solely on the participation of the people.

Democracy is so highly regarded because it refuses to bend a knee to the would-be tyrant or the nepotism of kings and queens. Centuries of harsh rule and maltreatment at the hands of all-powerful lords, certainly initiated and nurtured the desire for self-rule by the people. What started as a primitive form of democracy during the Greek and Roman periods has blossomed into a responsive form of government that is accountable to the people – in theory.

The precarious position of modern democracy is no doubt a direct manifestation of passivity from a people who have forgotten their past. The cruel effects of feudalism and tyranny have been so far removed from our generation that, for many democratic countries, the people no longer possess a healthy fear of what could happen if one strong personality attempts usurpation of power.

The people of our nation, who lack political interest and participation certainly beg one to question the competency of our country's democracy. We lethargically keep note of what our representatives are doing and treat their actions as superfluous and spurious, when indeed those actions are often monumental.

Who is watching the government of Guyana? Who is maintaining a watchful eye on those who decide our fate, the fate of our children and the fate of our country? Should we just naively assume that because a person is elected or appointed to a position of power that he/she will operate responsibly by enacting the will of the people? World history has proven the contrary. Indeed, even our history has proven the contrary.

So many of us have complained that the politicians have not done their part to create a vibrant and thriving Guyana. We feel ripped off and victimized by our government for not accomplishing the tasks we have entrusted to them. Yet honesty demands that we ask ourselves the same question - have we done our part in this process?

When someone is hired for a job, the employer does not assign that person a task without intention of following-up later. In fact, the employer knows that a follow-up will yield better results on the first task and even on later tasks, since the conscientious employee knows to expect the employer's critique. Yet, we the people, have not followed-up on those we have hired to fill the most important positions in our nation. We have filled these positions and simply walked away, then we return a year or two later and criticise the poor performances.

What is our part in the democratic process? Democracy is not just about voting, it is about good goverance, rule of law and free from our corrupt politicans. Apart from voting, we are responsible to follow-up on those we hire to lead our country. We are to be the conscience of their actions, motives and agenda. We are to be informed and play an active role in carefully watching our leaders. We are to let them know when we don't approve of an action and we are to praise them for a job well done. Democracy, by definition, requires the participation of the people or it just does not, nor can it possibly, work.

Let us not be fearful in our voices of dissent at the dictatorial nature of our government in the way they are treating the public servants, the teachers, the people of our nation.

Those in office are to respond to the people; not just to the people that support them or with a business in their interest, but to all people - to the common people. Not just because they have the majority based on ethnic voting patterns that gives them the right to discrimate to those that did not vote for them. They are accountable to the people of Georgetown, as well as to the people of Essequibo, Berbice, Sophia, Buxton - the entire country.

One might ask, “How can these politicians know what the people from these various regions expect?” The answer is easy – the politicians should ask what is expected. This is democracy in action. The ruling politicians have no problem making the rounds during an election year, passing out state funds in sports, newspaper ads, and flood relief to their supportors, but do they truly care about all the people and their interests?

I do not pretend to be ignorant of the immense amount of work involved in being a conscience and active part of the democratic process. It is no small chore to keep a trained eye on those in office, yet that does not relieve us of our duty to do so. This is where the media's role in democracy becomes vital. Balanced and unbiased journalism that is free and independent of government obligation or intervention is the best way to keep the pubic informed and to maintain democracy in its purest form.

By having a state-run television and radio monoply, we are constanly bombarded by propaganda and misinformation. By not allowing any voices of dissent on the radio and TV monopoly, there is not a level playing field to take us into a fair and free elections.

The press is to act as a watchdog for the people. Though they are certainly to watch over many parts of society, their primary responsibility is to keep a constant eye on the government. I have encountered the journalist from the state media who blatenly leaves out major parts of a story thus making it propaganda versus reporting.

However, let me make this abundantly clear: any unnecessary entanglements with the press, for it to serve the people and governmental officials, are a breach of trust. Newspapers that cater to the whims of politicians to garner favour are not to be trusted, and the papers they produce are worth nothing more than to clean up after a dog. Conversely, most newspapers gladly accept their role in society and wear that responsibility as a badge of honour.

The press is only one way to stay informed. There are also many political activist groups formed with the sole purpose of watching the elected officials. The existence of these groups promotes awareness among the people and accountability by the politicians. Though these groups often hold strong notions on certain issues, their presence in the democratic system serves as a powerful deterrent for wrongdoing, because they are usually watching every move of their rival politicians, waiting expectantly for a slip-up.

In the end though, it is your responsibility and mine to watch our leaders through whatever means possible. Democracy cannot work without the follow-up requiring responsiveness and accountability from those whom we have hired to run our nation. It is a beautiful human quality to expect the best from others, including our leaders, but it is simply irresponsible to entrust them to a task and not check up on them regularly.

The disappointment we feel is our own fault and it is time to fix the broken aspects of democracy in Guyana, lest she fall into unsuspecting hands of cruelty.

Human ingenuity and a thirst for freedom forged modern democracy so that all people, the great and the small, have a voice in the affairs concerning themselves. Shall we treat this precious commodity with the same disregard we have toward a long forgotten stained shirt that simply occupies drawer space? Ignorance in this case is not bliss. In fact, ignorance in this case is dangerous and knowledge is our friend.
Guyana had fair and free elections in 1992, but we still have not achieved democracy. Which do you choose? Ignorance at the cost of future democracy - or knowledge which will require your time? Guyana expectantly (awaits) our reply.