Democracy simply means the government that comes from the people (through selection), government that is exercised by the people (through election) and for the interest of the people (through representation)
In other words, Democracy is a system of government in which a country’s political leaders are chosen by the people in regular, free, and fair elections. The people can criticize and replace their elected leaders and representatives if they do not perform well. The people are sovereign—they are the highest authority—and government is based on the will of the people. Elected representatives at the national and local levels must listen to the people and be responsive to their needs.
What guarantees the qualities of democracy are:
- A mechanism put in place by the people to check mate, monitor and evaluate, policies programmes of government, to either sustain and remove a government who is not responsive and competent.
- Active participation of the people as citizens in politics and policies. This also means there must be equality – formal equal treatment of all citizens by the state and equal rights to participate in politics and have all preferences equally weighted.
- The protection of the fundamental rights of the citizens, including the media
- Recurring, free, competitive and fair election
- A save space for the voters to cast their votes in secret, free of intimidation and violence
What I have done /doing about it
Currently, Nigeria is at the verge of choosing its leader for the next four year, in local state and federal levels. This is expected to take the form of election, which I see as one of the characteristics of a virile democracy. To this particular ingredient of democracy, I have always been interested in encouraging a free and fair election, because this is the drawing board of all nation building and development , what I see as the foundation of democracy and good governance.
By free and fair, I mean one person, one vote; election void of rigging, election open to all adult and sex to exercise their franchise, an atmosphere conducive for eligible voter to cast their votes, etc. this is the area I choose to focus on to ensure quality democracy
Apart from the fact that I try as much as I can as a young democrat to practice democracy both in content and in results in all my leadership roles, I am also doing the follow to support and encourage the existence of democracy in Nigeria especially during this election:
- First of all, I am a registered voter for this forth coming election
- I had mobilized 57 people within and outside my ward to register during the registration of voters and 41 actually registered.
- I am trying to make sure that all the registered voters actually vote during the election. This I hope to achieve with the education of voters especially the first time voters on why they need to vote during the election and provide every other information they may need to have concerning voting in an election. I use the following media to pass on the message – Facebook social network, the “my vote fit change Nigeria” video put together by Youngstars Foundation to educate and conscientize the citizens on the need to activate the power of their thumps come 2011 election in Nigeria
- Had e-discussion on governance. This was to help people choice a candidate who is credible.
- I am a “RSVP”(Register, Select, Vote and Protect my vote) in this election.
- I am going to monitor the election and report with the available hotline numbers provided by the Polices Service Commission and Electoral commission if I find any behavior, practice or conduct contrary to what is expected during and after the election
In conclusion, democracy is in our hands to make it work for us, not in the hands of the few elites. Therefore we must encourage and support democracy in our little effort. I am a “RSVP”(Register, Select, Vote and Protect my vote) in this election.
emyeyo
Grt job and well done. I am happy that a female is doing something tangible. All the best.
ugochi
Well done Bassey Duke. I love reading about how you are personally getting involved in ensuring free and fair democratic elections in your community. With more people taking on such responsibility, the success of Nigeria’s elections will be guaranteed.
unyimeabasi
I love the breakdown of the definition of democracy at the start of your article.
I think more young people needs to read this so as to get inspired and be committed to engaging in the current election.
Its should be in the best interest of Nigerians especially young people to also understand that its not all done by voting and electing representatives; but we must also be able to ensure they are accountable, which is why i use this medium to introduce the Nigerian Youth Manifesto http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_182574225089209
rachaeluwah
Great work Bassey. Good governance is the dream of most Africans. However, the ruling class prefer dictatorship. One can only pray they dot succeed in reducing citizens 2 nothing b4 God’s government takes over.
patrickntiero
Interesting!. your definition of democracy is very unique. good to hear that many people still have hope on Nigerian democracy and are working towards that. really, this is a summary of what every young person can do in his/her little effort to support democracy and contribute to the nation building. Good work, Bassey Duke
commy
Bassey Duke, welldone. Your write-up really shows you are advocating for a free, fair and credible elections in your country. I urge all young persons who are or maybe intrested in such area to take a step and make a change starting from your immediate environment. Once again, welldone Bassey for the great work.
jenny
Very well done Bassey, for both a thoughtful and well written article as well as all of the work you are doing to promote a free and fair election in Nigeria! Its really great the work you are doing and hopefully more young people will be inspired to do the same!
ireneduke
Hmmm! Your write up makes me to really think your definition of Democracy and the common one we let back then, which is more simple and explains it all. Truly, young people are strong and vibrant, they can bring the needed change in to Nigeria, all they need is to agree/acknowledge their strength, intelligence and creativity, then start from somewhere little. Not to be political thugs and party boys for the purpose of snatching ballot boxes, causing violence during election I strongly agree with you, We must protect our vote at this elections. It is high time we started recording a free and fair election in Nigeria. Well done dear!
yayus288
BASSEY DUKE: DUKE THE DUKE -This is very good to know and we as Nigerians have learn the rope of “RSVP” in as much as it is still not perfect. Our attitude and latitude when it comes to our people getting out of their comfot zone is a factor we must address if we must step up the tempo of selection; election and representation.
My candid question and solution are as follows: How do we get out of the present situation of the process of illegal thump printing, Ballot snatching and presentation of mutilated result sheets?? I think we all as Nigerians must get up to be counted in our political dealings and awearness campiegn to re-orientate all manner of people from the idea of his is my TRIBES MAN, he is MY RELIGION MAN, he is MY STATE MAN, TO he is the RIGHT MAN, WITH THE RIGHT ATTITUDE and LATITUDE, to HE IS OPEN AND GOD FEARING and he has being trusted once and he did well and should be giving a chance. THAN SELLING OUR VOTES FOR N1,000 and sell off our birth right, our childrens right and our childrens, childrens right for a LOAF of N1,000 or take a man”s LIFE for a PARTRY N10, 000. NIGERIANS STAND UP TO BE COUNTED. YOU ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND WOULD REMAIN THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF YOUR VOTE. So make sure it is “RSVP” from today forward
emmy
I am really impressed by the level @ which Nigerian youths are getting involved in this election. It’s a true pointer to good things to come for this country. Keep it up Bassey, I think this writeup will encourage other youths.
aritypearl
Well done. It is really interersting to read and i wish all eligible voters read this information about what gaurantee quality democracy as you have indicated in your essay so that, it will encourage them to vote in the upcoming election.
blissechip
Your defination of democracy is explicit. I hope your effforts in ensuring a free and fair election in nigeria will not be in vain, as we are looking for a positive change and life touching development in Nigeria. Bravo!
tessyokpa
Bassey well done! good work! i love the fact that you have expanded on Abraham Lincoln’s definition of democracy which is the government of the people, by the people and for the people. i also love all the work you have done so far and still doing on encouraging people to come out and vote en masse. it is through the efforts of people like you that some of us would be first-time voters come tomorrow. well done again!
ruky
Big Sis, we have to popularize and publish this your definition of democracy, this is what my lecturer will call “contribution to knowledge”. Really this your video has made me to become a politician overnight. I am always so interested in the part that James-Julius dashes out to vote for his Job, Get touched when the physically challenged could get gain entrance to the hospital and the death of James Sister at child birth. The story is a typical reflection of our country-nothing seems to work. this video made me to go out and vote. i love that video, it is like an entertainment piece for visitors at home now. I still wear my hand band which reads” My vote fit change Naija” i envy your efforts and courage Sis, really. You said this election will work and it did. You are really a graduate of Political Science “Don’t aggravate my anger”, I’m voting for my EDUCATION.
sola
You apparently took a plunge at this essay in complex simplicity. Your ablity to make your thoughts relatively accessible by all should be commended. The most important being the fact that you registered to vote. I only hope that these efforts of yours will even take on deeper hues post the election as experts have hinted at how the pre election and post election period are crucial in the electoral cycle. Bassey; you have my admiration for the words you have stringed together.
barchibong
I love your essay, it is simple yet compelling. You have done very well it speaks of not just participating in the process but your efforts to mobilize others to actively engage in the process. That definition of democracy is fantastic.
ogar
i have read all the essays, believe me they are all good, if put together, they will make a good publication. I settled for this because it is straight to the point, eye catchy, explicit if you ask me. He/she has really understood the question and has itemized her points very clearly. Her efforts show that she has picked on ensuring free and fair election as what to do about the quality of democracy. Well done!
ogbonna
well defined term you have given there Bassey. I agree with you that the exercise of choose a leader is the drawing board. If we get it right from her, then it will be right all through. Which is why we must request,encourage and practice free and fair elections at all time. Nigeria is getting to this very soon with people like you, Jega and youths of like minds.
estherbassey
Democracy needs encouragement and the support of all of us to survive and bring forth its benefits. This our country and the leaders need to be checked mate with strong and independent mechanisms put in place like you have rightly put, which will give the people the power to call back any representative who is not responsive or representing the people well. This is what democracy should be about. Free and Fair. Good points!
dickson
This is really interesting to read, i must commend you Bassey. You have always been involved in politics, both on campus and secular. i am surprised you did not include in what you have done the fact that you were a polling clerk in the 2007 election during both governorship and state house elections and when party agents hijacked your ballot box and returned with many thumb printed papers, you refused to collate and sign. Though no one listened to you, or took your report to anywhere or acted on it because of the corrupt system we have, but we noted your work and belief. You also tried to vie for position in the chancellorship election in the same year in ward 10 which was talk of the town given the party you joined . My dear you have done a lot for democracy. I am sure you will be happy at the present state of the electoral processes in the country now. I must recommend your work to Nigerians.
dorothy
wow this wonderful Bassey.it means that in years to come women will be great. beecause in life, one can’t wake up in the morning to make changes, you take a step to get things done. It’s not easy to mobilised people these days, but you’ve taken much of your time to do that so as to contribute to the needed changes hence the nation’s development.i love your write up.please keep it up!
dickson
B. Duke
Be rest assure that sooner or later you will become an ambassador for DEMOCRACY.
This WRITE UP is what i tage as an “ANALYTICAL ANALYSIS OF DEMOCRACY”
Great work and well articulated write up.
Dickson Soberekon
dickson
Have taken a kin review on the subject matter ” WHAT GUARRANTEES THE QUALITY OF DEMOCRACY” (in Nigeria?)
the definition of democracy which we all know that is acceptable to the world has not being accepted here in Nigeria. This is our definition here in Nigeria. Government of one man by one man and for one man. It was this april 2011we got it right and perfect with the Almighty question, what guarrantees the quality of democracy in Nigeria.
i. one man one vote.
ii.your vote must count.
next page…..
dickson
iii defend your vote.
This is the first time a president is propanding a theory that is widely acceptable to all Nigerian if not all africa countries.
This theory was activated with a simple machanisms of free hand by the presidency witout interfering of any sorts of whatsoever, gives an acurrate quality of democracry, in addition to youth orientation by different NGOs and CBs etc. corpers & vice chancellors of various fields of academy as colations inspector who are not subject to bribes, riggings, etc.
sola
@ Bassey; any strong line between selection and election or is it as thin as a tissue?