HISTORIAS                    Manuel Espejo

What is democracy?

 

Democracy is a concept of paramount significance, far from trivial. Throughout history, nations have borne witness to regimes that, despite labeling themselves as democratic, stood far from the democratic ideals found in advanced Western countries. It is a term laden with meaning, often distorted by totalitarian governments that proclaim themselves democracies, disguising their true nature. Here, I advocate for a concept of democracy akin to those practiced in advanced Western democracies.

A widely acknowledged definition of democracy is "government by the people," typically carried out through elected representatives. While this definition is accessible, it falls short. Democracy encompasses multifaceted requirements that extend beyond governance by the people and representative elections. The mere act of electing representatives does not guarantee democracy.

A traditional and comprehensive definition of democracy should encompass the following attributes:

​

• Popular Sovereignty: The authority rests with the people.

• Rights and Freedoms: Citizens enjoy essential rights and freedoms.

• Democratic Values: Democracy embraces values such as tolerance, justice, and commitment.

• Economic Democracy: Highlighting principles like social justice and economic equality as integral components of democracy.

 

Yet, many experts believe that these traits alone are inadequate. True democracy requires additional features, including:

 

• Separation of Powers: Delineation of legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

• Rule of Law: Adherence to established legal principles.

• Respect for Minorities: Safeguarding minority rights.

• Freedom of Assembly and Speech: Ensuring the expression of diverse voices.

• Inclusiveness and Equality: Fostering a society where everyone has an equal stake.

 

Democracy is often easier to define by negation – what it is not. A system governed by a solitary monarch, tyrant, or dictator without checks and balances is not democratic. Nor is it democratic when power is concentrated within a select few, excluding the majority from political participation. Between these extremes lie numerous nuanced forms of governance, often blurring the lines between authoritarianism, oligarchy, and democracy. Constitutions of nations may exhibit a mix of these features, even when they proclaim democracy. In any true democracy, the people must possess means to hold leaders accountable, with peaceful mechanisms for change.

In contemplating the concept of democracy, individuals in democratic nations sometimes forget the high price paid for the freedoms and rights they enjoy. Democracy stands as an achievement in human history, but it is neither inevitable nor irreversible. Following the philosophy of Karl Popper, it necessitates daily defense. Open societies, as Popper characterizes democracies, face internal threats from those who seek to undermine them relentlessly.

We must avoid the idealistic error of assuming that humanity is naturally inclined to evolve toward freedom and democracy. We should also reject the philosophical fallacy of historical inevitability. History lacks predetermined courses; it flows with human actions. The future depends on us. We must navigate toward what is right and steer clear of what is detrimental to our civilization's interests. This journey involves individual decisions that may not always be clear or straightforward.