Different countries operate different systems of government, each tailored to the needs of the country and its people. For example, the United States operates a democratic system of government while the United Kingdom operates a monarchical system. Although these systems are imperfect, they seem to work for these countries. There is no doubt that many countries around the world make use of the democratic system of government to lead their people. Looking at this, one important question to ask is that does this mean that the democratic system is the best to ever exist? Is it a flawless system? For today’s Hive Learners’ prompt, the community asks an interesting question: What are your thoughts on the democratic system? Has it been of much help to the well-being of your people?
**WHAT ARE MY THOUGHTS ON THE DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT?**
“The government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” This is the perfect definition of democracy. According to the definition, power is in the hands of the citizens. Through their votes, they choose who they want to rule them. From this definition, this seems like a flawless system of government. If power is in the hands of the people, does that mean it will be impossible for things to go wrong? I mean, citizens are free to vote for whoever they want, so they can just vote for the competent ones, right? Sadly, this is not the case.
With the experience of my country and many other countries, we have come to realize that democracy is not a flawless system of government. One of the reasons why democracy is a flawed system is because, often, when the leaders we elect get into office, they forget all about the promises they made to the citizens. As long as they are already in the office, it is impossible for citizens who voted for them to impeach them so they are free to do whatever they want. During elections, political leaders present something, and that thing is called a manifesto. A manifesto is an outline of the things they promise the citizens to do once they come into power. It is a way to assure citizens that they will not regret placing their trust in their hands. However, it is always sad to see them do the opposite of the things they promised when they got into power.
**HAS IT BEEN MUCH HELP TO THE WELL-BEING OF YOUR PEOPLE?**
In my country, we operate a democratic system of government. However, what we practice is far from democracy. They say democracy is the government of the people, for the people, and by the people, but is it still the government by the people if citizens are forced to vote for candidates? During elections, whether it is presidential or other kinds, they always find a way to manipulate the system. Many times, we have heard and witnessed how candidates use thugs to make people vote for them. Sometimes, they even use military men and if you don’t comply with them, they will harass you and in worst cases, they brutalize voters. Is it still a democratic system if voters cast their votes and the results are forged nonetheless?
In some areas, elections are always very scary and bloody and that is because they always end violently. Citizens who are supposed to be proud to cast their votes, now become scared to even step out.
**WOULD ANOTHER SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT WORK BETTER?**
Since Nigeria gained independence in 1960, we have operated about 3 different forms of government, and the best so far (in my opinion) is still the democratic system. The problem doesn't lie with the system, it is actually the leaders. If the leaders truly care about the country and are genuinely ready to make things better, not loot the resources of the country, democracy will go a long way in achieving good results.
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Thanks for reading.
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