Democracy creates stability in a society: Commentry and Reflection

Commentry in response to article below

"Vote for Choo, because, FedEx we live to deliver!” Doesn’t this sound familiar? Yes, this was my ending sentence of my speech during the Raffles Institution Prefectorial Board Election. As many would have already known, I managed to win much of my school mate’s votes and entered the board successfully! This incident was my first time ever involved in a campaigning process. Well, come to think of it, doesn’t this voting system and speeches remind you of democracy?

In my opinion, democracy, an ideology revolving around liberalism, is a double-edged sword. Despite the benefits it might bring to the society, throughout the years of its development, criticisms have arisen. Well, a dictionary meaning of ‘democracy’ might refer it to a political institution whereby power is vested in the people and exercised through means of representation. I do not completely agree. Granted, it is political foundation. But it is actually the human element which controls its rise or fall.
Stability can be illustrated using the wheels of a tricycle, each referring to social, economic and political stability respectively. They are all largely intertwined with one another, without either one, the country will collapse. Political stability refers to few internal struggles to the society; social stability refers to the satisfaction of the people such that it leads to internal harmony; economic stability refers to the constant financial status of the country.

In the article below, the author discussed about democracy’s limitations. This brings out an important issue- Can democracy lead to stability in a country after all?

The author questions about the tyranny of the majority in democracy. I have to agree with that point. Pondering over this issue, I wonder about the situation I am in,” We are not allowed to vote since we are under 21 yeras old. But, what deprives teenagers and children the chance to vote? Granted, we might be still young and immature, but after all, we are all still part of the country.” Similarly, if I am able to feel injustice over being deprived of the right to have a say in the elections, why wouldn’t the disadvantaged groups? Since democracy is based on the number of votes, wouldn’t the majority oppress the minority? In such a case, the interests of the minority would be compromised, which prompt them to use violence to gain their rights, contributing to social instability. For instance, in Northern Ireland, the population of the Protestants largely outnumbers that of the Catholics. This resulted in a Protestant-dominated government, since more votes are accumulated. Hence, political injustice, such as unequal housing, becomes evident. This made the Catholics to turn towards violence to voice out their rights. As such, turmoil was brewed, which led to the conflict between Protestants and Catholics. But so much said, as quoted from Irving Kristol, “Democracy does not guarantee equality of conditions- it only guarantees equality of opportunity.”

The author goes on to express his dislike for democracy,”Stupidity is allowed under our democratic constitution.” A foolish statement, or rather, a sarcastic one? My sentiment says it is the latter. Yes, democracy is created by human beings. But I am sorry; it does not protect us against our folly and mistakes. What I want to highlight here is: Democracy is as much as the human mindset as it is a political institution. But yet, questions are raised. Who can guarantee that one will surely select the right leader? What about the interference of corruption and even bribery?

Recalling from a history lesson, here is an example of a ‘democracy gone wrong’. Hitler, a prominent character in the study of history, brainwashed the people into supporting him during his propaganda campaign. Through his strong use of words, he convinced or rather ‘deceived’ the people to vote for him. The people felt that Hitler was able to tap among millions of Germans. But unfortunately for them, the Nazi Germany caused trouble within the country and brought about instability to the society. This examples indeed illustrates how democracy failed the people, or instead how the people failed themselves with a myopic judgment of Hitler.

Despite the disadvantages, democracy has its beneficial aspect as well.

Seriously, who wouldn’t want to have a say in state’s affairs? This brings us to the most distinct characteristic of democracy- freedom of choice. Besides, it is the people who decide their leader. This situation makes revolts and violence more invulnerable as people tend to be more satisfied with their government. After all, their leaders are the ones whom they select! However, we have to realize that democracy is not the work of one generation but many. As long as current board of leaders maintain the support of the people through effective policies, no unnecessary changes, which would inevitably disrupt the political stability of the society, would be required.

A good example would be Singapore. Throughout these years, the PAP has always won most of the seats during elections. This reveals the trust Singaporeans have in their government. Thus, this allowed Singapore to expand freely without any political disruptions, which makes them one of the most developed countries in the word. Well, should there been a change in government, I am afraid it would indeed hinder Singapore’s progress, as there would definitely be a significant change in policies and even the aims of the country.

Being a Singaporean, I am tremendously glad that Singapore has maintained stability throughout these years. I remembered once when I was 8 years old, during the 2002 elections, my mother mentioned to me on what democracy means to the people. Recalling the ‘lecture’ which had been firmly etched in my mind, “Democracy means freedom, democracy gives us the power. Indeed, who wouldn’t want to elect their own leader? Wouldn’t that lead to a better society to live in? Son, when you grow up, you will have a chance to vote. But remember, do not be influenced. Use your own judgment. Be sure to make the right choice. The power is in would be in your hands. ” What impactful words my mother used, especially emphasizing on the point the fate of the country lies in our hands. At that time, I did not completely understand what my mother said. But now, I definitely do. So critical are the choices of the people that it controls the country’s destiny. Eight years down the road, my chance to vote during elections has not arrived yet. Yes, I am disappointed but certainly looking forward to it. It would be a memorable moment; to participate in the electing of the government for the first time. Being part of this country, I would definitely want to choose the leader of my choice! I guess I will have to be patient.

Democracy, government and citizens are 3 major components which are interlinked together into a vicous cycle. Democracy acts as a foundation for the people to make choices and to decide on the destiny of their country. It is the people who determine the how the society turns out to be. Not only must the citizens make the right choice, the leaders have to uphold the ideals of democracy and not misinterpret them. This will lead to stability in a society. In the long run, democracy will gain more recognition as an ideal political institution, which would make it more accepted in the modern society of ours.

Come to think of it, perhaps, democracy is merely a stepping stone for people to develop. Whether it brings stability or not, it all depends on the human factor.