MEANING OF DEMOCRACY

 The word democracy is a term that comes from Greek and it is made up with two

words demos, which means people and kratos, to mean to govern, to rule.

 “Democracy” can then be literally translated by the following terms: Government

of the People or Government of the Majority.

 Convincingly it can be also said that Democracy is a people centered system,

where the people are the heart, the root and the fruits. The fruits of democracy are

prosperity, good quality of life and well being, human security, human dignity

and participation of the people in all decisions affecting their lives.

 Democracy is a people centered system where the people are the

heart the root and also the fruits.

 The dictionary definition of the term entails that democracy is a state of

government in which people hold the ruling power either directly or indirectly

through their elected representatives.

 Accordingly, democracy embraces the principles of equality, individual freedom

and opportunity for the common people, as those who actually wield political

power.

 To be brief, the most common definition of democracy is clearly described by the

former US president, Abraham Lincoln. He stated that democracy is "…

government of the people, by the people and for the people”. This indicates that

government comes from the people; it is exercised by the people, and for the

purpose of the people’s own interests.

The Major Principles of Democracy and Values of Democracy

 It refers to equal protection entitled before the law for all citizens regardless of

their back ground i.e. by not considering whether or not they are right or poor,

ethnic/religious minority, politically or opponent of the state.

 It clearly indicates as no one is above the law, but have equal protection before

the law.

B) The Supremacy of the Constitution: This is a principle that puts the

constitution at the highest level in the hierarchy of laws. According to this

principle, the constitution is above all laws and organs of a state.

C) The Rule of Law

 The fundamental principle refers that every citizen should be equally bound by

the law, regardless of their position in society; and the law should be enforced

impartially by an independent judiciary. The rule of law:

 Applies itself equally in every situation and controls relations between individuals

and the government,

 Is a basic legal political ideology that is prevalent throughout western liberal

democracies,

According to this principle,

1) No person is above the law and everyone should be presumed equal before the law,

2) No one should be punished except for the breach of law,

3) Fairness and consistent procedures should be applied to the solution of all legal cases,

4) The judiciary should apply the law independently of the other branches of the

government.

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D) Majority Rule and Minority Vote

 All democracies are systems in which citizens freely make political decisions by

majority rule.

 But rule by the majority is not necessarily democratic. No one, for example,

would call a system fair or just that permitted 51% of the population to oppress

the remaining 49% in the name of the majority.

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In a democratic society, majority rule must be couple with guarantees of individual

human rights that, in turn serve to protect the right of the minorities weather ethnic,

religious or political.

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 The rights of minorities do not depend upon the good will of the majority and vote. The

rights of minorities are protected because democratic laws and institutions protect the

right of all citizens.

E) Popular sovereignty

 This principle is fundamental to any constitutional democracy and points out the consent

of the governed people are the only legitimate source of government authority.

 Popular sovereignty also refers to the right of the people to withdraw their consent when

the government fails to fulfill its obligations to them under the constitution.

F) Citizen Participation

 Participation is the key role of citizens in democracy. Citizen participation may

take many forms including standing for election, voting in elections, becoming

informed, debating issues, attending community or civic meetings, being

members of private voluntary organizations, paying taxes, and even protesting

etc. This active participation of citizens in all affairs of his/her country considered

as a cornerstone to build a better democracy.

 Participation is the key role of citizens in democracy. It is not only their

right, but it is their duty.

F) Equality

 Democratic Equality means that all individuals are valued equally, have equal

opportunities, and may not be discriminated against because of their religion,

ethnic group, gender or sexual orientation.

G) Political Tolerance:
A democratic society is enriched by diversity. If the majority deny

rights to and destroy their opposition then they also destroy democracy.
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One goal of democracy is to make the best possible decision for the

society.
 H) Accountability: - Accountability implies that government officials are

answerable to the decisions and acts they took.

I) Transparency: - Transparency implies openness of the activities of

government officials and institutions to the public.

 For government to be accountable the people must be aware of

what is happening in the country. This is referred to as

transparency in government.

J) Regular, Free and Fair Elections. Intimidation, corruption and threats to

citizens during or before an election are against the principles of democracy.

For free and fair elections to occur, most adult citizens should have the right

to stand for government office.

K) Control of the Abuse of Power:- One of the most common abuses of power

is corruption. Corruption occurs when government officials use public funds

for their own benefit or exercise power in an illegal manner.

L) Multi-Party System: - In order to have a multi-party system, more than

one political party must participate in elections and play a role in

government.

M) Accepting the Results of Elections-

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  In democratic elections, there are winners and losers. Occasionally, even in a

democracy, the losers in an election believe so strongly that their party or

candidate is the best one that they refuse to accept the results of the election.

N) Human Rights:-

O) Economic Freedom:-

 People in a democracy must have some form of economic freedom. The role the

government should play in the economy is open to debate, but it is generally

accepted that free markets should exist in a democracy and the state should not

totally control the economy.

Ways of Exercising Democracy

There are two ways of exercising democracy i.e. direct and indirect (representative)

democracy.

 A direct (pure) democracy is a kind of democracy which exists where the?‘ will of

the people is translated in to public policy (law) directly by the people themselves

at mass meetings.

 This system operates only in a very small community where it is possible for

citizens to meet in a given place and where the problems of the government are

few and simple.

 Direct democracy (pure democracy) is an exercise of democracy, in

which ‘all citizens’ without the intermediary of elected officials can

participate in decision-making process.

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  The difficulties of direct democracy are well known. When the people of a

nation cannot meet to take decisions, direct forms of democracy are incapable

of replacing representation.

 In direct democracy, members of community meet at certain place to

discuss issues and arrive at decision either by consensus or by majority

vote.

 The origin of direct democracy can be traced back to ancient Athens. In the

ancient Athenian city-state, all adult male citizens met in assembly and made

decisions.

 Athenians were ruling themselves directly without intermediaries of

representatives. Political participation in Athens, however, was not all-

inclusive and opens to all.

 Women, slaves and aliens were not considered as citizens and hence were not

allowed to participate in the assembly. In strict words, the Athenian democracy

was not an ideal or pure model of democracy.

 Nevertheless, the Greek experiment of democracy is generally considered to

have provided important lesson for today's world. This is partly because of the

facts that:

 It was the first known example of democracy, and

 It was carried out in circumstances that can never be repeated, which

makes it possible to study a much simpler form of democratic

government.

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  Indirect (Representative) Democracy: - This is the modern type of democracy

that we have today. A representative democracy is where citizens within a country

elect representatives to make decisions for them.

 In this regard, the meaning of representative form of democracy is that the whole

people cannot directly participate in their own affairs but through their

representatives, which are periodically elected by the people themselves.

 The difference between direct and indirect democracy is fairly simple.

In a direct democracy citizens make decisions directly by proposing

laws or referendums. An indirect democracy on the other hand uses a

small group of officials to make decisions of importance on behalf of

their constituents. In both cases the input of the people is the

cornerstone of the government but the government is run in different

ways.

APPROACHES OF UNDERSTANDING DEMOCRACY

There are two views of understanding democracy: substantive and procedural views.

Substantive Views of Democracy

 Substantive democracy is a form of democracy in which the outcome of elections

is representative of the people.

 In other words, substantive democracy is a form of democracy that functions in

the interest of the governed. This type of democracy can also be referred to as a

functional democracy.

Procedural Views of Democracy

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  Procedural democracy emphasizes the principles of universal participation,

political equality, and majority rule. The procedural view of democracy sets forth

principles that describe how government should make decisions and address three

distinct questions:

 Who should participate in decision-making?

 How much should each participant's vote count?

 How many votes are needed to reach decisions?

 In brief, procedural democracy is a democracy in which the people or citizens of

the state have less influence than in traditional liberal democracies.

 This type of democracy is characterized by voters choosing to elect

representatives in free elections.

 Procedural democracy is quite different from substantive democracy, which is

manifested by equal participation of all groups in society in the political process.

Theories of democracy

A) Liberal Concept of Democracy

 Liberal democracy advocates the principle of private enterprise and the guarantee

of basic civil and political rights such as freedom of speech, religion, the right to

elect and to be elected, etc.

 Liberal democrats accept inequality or privilege so as to safeguard

individual freedom.

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  In very few words, liberal democracy is a system of government in which the

people govern themselves, criticize leaders of their government and choose new

ones in an election.

 A basic belief of liberal democracy is that people of different interests and

backgrounds have different political opinions. Liberal democracy aims at the just

and rational organization of authority in human society under the guise of the

system of capitalism.

B) Economic Democracy /Socialist Democracy/

 Here, to speak of economic democracy is to advocate democracy for the 'poor' as

well as the rich. As such, economic democracy is the transfer of economic

decision making from the few to the many. In this case, the assumption is that

when workers and the poor control production, democratic choices to work,

employment, income, technology, and the like can be extended.

 According to this democracy, true democracy cannot exist without

C) economic democracy and economic democracy cannot exist under the

principles of capitalism.

Social Democracy

 The goal of social democracy is to bring about equality and classless

society through reform within the guise of capitalism.

D)

Developmental Democracy

 Another model, the developmental democracy, views human beings as capable of

civic virtue. Supporters say that through involvement in government and

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 community affairs, persons can gain an understanding of the public good and

what it requires.

 Some of the attributes of a good citizen include: civic-mindedness,

open-mindedness, tolerance, patriotism, civility, peaceful resolution of

conflicts and the like.

ACTORS IN DEMOCRATIZATION PROCESS

A) Political Parties

 Open competition between political parties in the framework of elections is one

of the indispensable characteristics of representative democracies.

 It is therefore important and this is one of the conditions for democracy's

survival.

 Political parties so they perform as effective actors of democratization

and good governance trusted by voters representative and responsive

to public needs and concerns equipped to support government and a

constructive opposition thus playing a role in ensuring transparency

and accountability of government.

Party Systems

Party systems refer to the number of parties and pattern of relationships among the parties

with in a nation. Taking in to account the number of dominant or existing political parties

with in a state, party systems are classified in to three major categories.

1. One party system

2. Two party system

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 3. Multi party system

One Party Systems

 One party system is, most of the time, ideological in its outlook and

authoritarian in its structure. In this system, it is usually not allowed other

parties to function either de jure or de facto.

 De Facto, in law, phrase used to signify the exercise of a power in spite of the

absence of legal authority. De facto contrasts with de jure, which signifies the

lawful exercise of a power. De facto is applied when a person or group occupies

public office or purports to exercise political or other authority without legal right.

In constitutional and international law, de facto means a power exercised but

without established legal basis.

What does mean by De facto and de jure in one part system? Give your explanation

on the space provided below

Two Party Systems

 Two party systems are characterized by a regular alternation in office between

two major dominant parties. It is argued that the system provides the people with

a choice of policies and leaders while at the same time guaranteeing governmental

stability.

 In two party systems, although minor parties exist, two major parties

dominate government.

 Two party systems are common in the political system of Britain, which is mostly

dominated by the conservative and labor party.

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  United States of America as a country dominated by the Democratic and

Republican parties is also another good example of the two party systems.

Multi Party Systems

 Multiparty systems are systems in which we have at least three or more major

parties.

 In multiparty system, one party rarely wins enough seats in the legislature to

form government. Consequently, several parties combine forces to obtain a

majority and form a coalition government to direct the nation’s affaires.

B) Non-Governmental Organizations

 Like political parties, Non-governmental associations and organizations are

valuable vectors of democracy. They differ from political parties only in their

final goal, but they all contribute to consciousness raising, defense of the legiti -

mate interests of groups of individuals and the protection of individual and

collective rights and freedoms.

 It is nevertheless true that the growth of professional associa tions and national

NGOs is making a strong contribution to the consolidation of civil society in

these countries.

C) Interest Groups

 Interest groups, as associations based on the free will of individuals, play a

prominent role in the process of democratization.

 Interest groups are organizations or groups of people, which are

autonomous from government or political parties with the objective of

influencing government.

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 D) Public Opinion

 Public opinion is the general attitude or feeling of the public concerning an

issue, specifically when this has an effect on political decision-making. Public

opinion is then a tool to control the politicians that lead the country.

 Citizen has the right to gather information and to contribute somehow to the

expression of public opinion when he/she organizes, for instance, a meeting in

order to exchange information.

 In this context, political and social human rights play an important role: the

freedom of opinion, as well as freedom to hold meetings and to set up

associations which allow citizens to participate in the expression of public

opinion, without having to put up with any pressure. Public opinion then

constitutes a controlling tool, which is very important in a democracy.

D) Mass Media

 Mass media refers institution and to the methods of communication, which can

reach large number of people at the same time. It includes newspapers, television,

radio, books, posters, magazines, etc.

DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS

Principles of Democratic Election

A) Free and fair election:-refers to those elections, which are not based on any

political torture. It happen in a democratic and social way in which every body have

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the right to choose their representative according to their chooses, their wishes, and

their will and the competing parties don’t try to influence people to choose them as

their representative as its crime.

 Democratic elections are free when citizens have the right to choose

from several candidates or parties that can run for the election

without any restriction.

B) Transparency: Transparency refers to openness in the process of governance –

in the election process, policy and decision making, implementation and evaluation, at

all levels of government (central and local) and in all branches of government

(executive, legislature and judiciary).

 It is broadly defined as public knowledge of the policies and actions of

government, existing regulations and laws and how they may be accessed.

 It requires making the public account verifiable and official behavior amenable

to analysis. Candidates and voters have a right to know how an elections office

conducts its dealing.

 All election business should be transparent, whether it is ballot design or the

procuring of voting systems.

C) Equitable when citizen use his/her right to vote his/her disposal a vote and

when neither his/her origin nor his/her sex, language, income or possessions, job or

social stratus/class, training, religion or political convictions have an influence of

whatever kind on the assessment of the value of his/her vote.

 In democratic elections, there must be no way of knowing for which political

party or for which particular candidate a citizen has voted.

envelope, without having been either watched over or influenced, in the secrecy of the

polling booth, and when he/she is also able, in the same way, to put his/her envelope

inside the ballot box afterwards.

 In democratic elections, there must be no way of knowing for which

political party or for which particular candidate a citizen has voted.

E) Democratic elections should be public, i.e. each citizen has the right to attend

the counting of the votes when the ballot box is opened or it is possible to completely

follow the whole process of constituents’ votes starting from the ballots inserted into

the ballot box to the final counting to establish the calculation that will eventually

share out.

F) Periodic: In addition to the requirements mentioned above, it is also important to

institute elections on regular basis. Everybody, in that case, has the possibility to know

the date of the coming elections, and to get ready for that ahead of time. It is a way to

make sure that the current government is defined within a period and that its people

have the right to remove it from office. The electorate should represent the whole

population, which is to mean that apart from the underage population, no group should

be excluded.

G) Accepting the Results of Elections:-In democratic elections, there are winners and

losers. Occasionally, even in a democracy, the losers in an election believe so strongly

that their party or candidate is the best one that they refuse to accept the results of the

election.

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Regarding election process, there are in fact two separate systems: the absolute

majority votes and the proportional ones. Both have crucial importance, given the

fact that they influence not only the political structure but also the formation process

of the political will.

In the absolute majority system, the polling area is divided into as many

constituencies as necessary, depending on the number of seats to be assigned (at the

Parliament, for example). Those candidates or lists of candidates that can gather the

majority of votes from their constituents will be assigned the seats to be filled.

In the proportional system, the Parliament seats are assigned according to the

percentage obtained by the political parties over the total number of votes from the

whole constituency. The assignment of seats (at the Parliament, for example) thus

reflects, much more than what happens in the absolute majority system, the effective

choice of the population. The candidates are elected through the lists in their

constituency.

Most importantly, elections are usually coordinated and carried out by an electoral

commissions or boards. These commissions shall be independent and neutral of any

political loyalty or affiliation for undertaking the election properly and in a democratic

manner. In addition to an independent and neutral electoral board, a democratic election

also requires an independent judiciary organ. Those individuals or parties who disagree

with the final decision of the electoral commission submit their complaints to courts for

final decision.

1. In principle an electoral commission or boards shall be independent

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 and neutral of any political loyalty. Think of our electoral board, and

how do you know whether it is neutral or not loyal to any political

party?

DEMOCRACY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE

The Concept of Good Governance

 Governance is the manner in which power is exercised in the management of

a country’s economic and social resources for development. It comprises

mechanisms, processes and institutions, through which citizens and groups

articulate their interests, exercise their legal rights, meet their obligations and

mediate their differences.

 Since governance is the process of decision-making and the process by which

decisions are implemented, an analysis of governance focuses on the formal and

informal actors involved in decision-making and implementing the decisions made

and the formal and informal structures that have been set in place to arrive at and

implement the decision.

 Good governance is the exercise of economic, political and

administrative authority to manage a country’s affairs at all levels.

 Good governance is, among other things, participatory, transparent and

accountable, effective and equitable, and it promotes the rule of law. It

ensures that political, social and economic priorities are based on broad

consensus in society and that the voices of the poorest and the most

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 vulnerable are heard in decision-making over the allocation of development

resources.

In broad terms, governance is about the institutional environment in

which citizens interact among themselves and with government

agencies/officials.

The most important principles of good governance that can be drawn from the

fundamental values of democracy are: participation, efficiency, sense of

responsibility, the act of reporting, adaptation capacity, transparency, rule of

law and participation.

Generally, in a good governance system:

 The roles are clearly defined, well distinguished and balanced among different

actors and groups of actors, in the law texts as well as in practice

 The interests of the different actor groups are articulated in decision making

 Leaders are characterized in the exercise of their power by a democratic

behavior and a democratic type of leadership, like taking into consideration of

the fundamental values of democracy, the respect of contrary opinions of

others, taking into consideration of laws and rules in force, tolerance, capacity

and good frame of mind for dialogue, discussions, non-violence

 In front of this, citizens and groups of actors are encouraged to express

themselves, to take part in the processes of decision making and to control the

exercise of power by the leaders in place

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  Between the two camps (the State authorities and the other groups of actors),

the controlling mechanisms always function well and in a transparent way; the

channels of information and communication are fluid and efficient

 There are informal and formal participation structures that function well for

consultations, dialogues and negotiations, in which all citizens and social

groups, man and woman, young and old, minorities or majorities can and have

the right to participate freely and without any fear

The Relationship of Democracy and Good Governance

 Democratic governance and good governance share similar values and

institutions.

 In this case, democratic governance fosters transparency, accountability, the rule

of law, respect for human rights, and civic participation – all of which are not

only necessary for securing economic productivity, equitable distribution and

state legitimacy but also denote the existence of good governance.

 Transparency refers to openness in the process of governance.

Accountability: Accountability refers to the ability to determine who in government is

responsible for a decision or action and the ability to ensure that officials are

answerable for their actions.

 Accountability focuses on the ability to account for the allocation, use,

and control of public assets in accordance with legally accepted

standards.
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An Anti-Corruption environment: Corruption of course is a universal problem, with

complex causes. Its net effect is commonly regarded as negative for all societies,

especially for developing countries.

 Corruption leads to economic inefficiencies; bends development; slow

down long-term foreign and domestic investments; misallocates talents

to rent seeking and away from productive activities; induces wrong

sectoral priorities and technological choices.

FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOM AND FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS

Human Rights

A) Human Right is set of ideals, which societies are exhorted to fulfill and which

no government is to impede or abolish. These rights are said to apply to everyone

to all persons individually, rather than as a members of a politically organized

society. Thus, human rights are distinguished from rights guaranteed by a legal

system, such as civil rights under a constitution.

 what civil and political, economic social and cultural as well as individual

personality rights refers to as mentioned in the character of human right?

A) civil and political rights are those rights that include among others freedom from

arbitrary discrimination, freedom from slavery, freedom from fortune and arbitrary

detention, rights to equal justice and due process of law, right to privacy, right to

nationality, movement and asylum, right to marriage and property, right to freedom of

thought and association.

compensation, trade unionism, social security, family, wealth education, and cultural and

peace etc.

C) Individual Personality Rights constitute the core of human rights, includes the right

to life, the right to liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Democracy and Good Governance under Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary

Democratic Front (EPRDF) in Ethiopia

After the downfall of Derg regime in May 1991, the EPRDF took power. In July 1991

Peace and Democracy Conference, convened by the ERPDF brought together 25

political organizations. This conference adopted a Transitional Charter that

incorporated the 1948 United Nations Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR); promised

multiparty democracy, freedom of association and speech; and incorporated the right of

ethnic self-determination up to secession.

Some of the democratic rights and their scopes under EPRDF

Freedom of Thought, Opinion and Expression (ART.29):- This article contains seven

sub articles, which explain the main article in detail.

 Everyone has the right to hold opinions without interference.

 Everyone has the right to freedom of expression without any interference.

 Freedom of the press and other mass media and freedom of artistic creativity is

guaranteed.

 In the interest of the free flow of information, ideas and opinions which are

essential to the functioning of a democratic order, the press shall, as an institution,

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 enjoy legal protection to ensure its operational independence and its capacity to

entertain diverse opinions.

 Any media financed by or under the control of the State shall be operated in a

manner ensuring its capacity to entertain diversity in the expression of opinion.

 These rights can be limited only through laws which are guided by the principle

that freedom of expression and information cannot be limited on account of the

content or effect of the point of view expressed.

 Any citizen who violates any legal limitations on the exercise of these rights may

be held liable under the law.

 The Right to Assembly, Demonstration and Petition (Art. 30):- Every one has

the right to assemble and demonstrate together with others peacefully and

unarmed to present petition.

 Once again, the enjoyment of these rights is subject to legal restrictions. In the

interest of public morality, peace and democratic rights, concerned authorities

could legally prescribe the time, place and route of public meetings and

demonstrations.

 Freedom of Association (Art. 31):- Every person is given with the right to form

association for any cause or purpose. Citizens of similar interest have the right to

join together and form an association. As a result, political parties, pressure

groups, professional associations, economic, social or cultural groupings etc could

be established in accordance with this right of citizens.

 Freedom of Movement (Art. 32):- Ethiopian citizens as well as legal residents in

Ethiopia have the right to freely move in every corner of the country and to

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 choose their own area of residence. Citizens have also the right to move even out

of the country and come back at any point of time.

 The Rights of Women (Art. 35):-Traditionally, irrespective of the immense

contribution of women, women were not equal with men. Women were

considered as men are subordinate simply to satisfy men's wish and desire.

Furthermore, in the eyes the law, women were considered as second-class

citizens, who could not stand by themselves and as persons to be administered by

father', husbands or sons. The rights of women as mentioned by the constitution

are:

 Women have equal rights with men in the enjoyment all the democratic and

human rights.

 Taking in to account the historical legacy of discrimination and inequality,

women are entitled with affirmative measures.

 Maternity leave with full pay before and after they give birth,

 The right to possess, administer, control, use and transfer private property.

Particularly women are given equal right with men for using, transferring and

administration of land.

 The right to full consultation in the formulation and execution of national

development policies, particularly those policies affecting the lives of

women, and

 Women are also given with the right to education, employment, promotion,

and equal pay for equal work with men etc.

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  The Right to Elect and be Elected (Art. 38):- Election is a critical component of

a democratic political system. The sovereignty of people in a democracy is

ensured through the ballot box. Every Ethiopian citizen, with out any

discrimination, is given with the right to participate in public affaires, and on the

attainment of 18 years of age to elect and 21 years of age to be elected. There is

also other restriction in accordance with the law.

 Right of Nations, Nationalities and Peoples (Art. 39):-Nations, Nationalities

and peoples according to the constitution refers to the group of people who share

common language, culture, history etc. Nations, Nationalities in Ethiopia are

given Un-conditional right to self-determination including the right to secession.

Every nation, nationality and people in Ethiopia is given the right to speak, write

and develop its own language and to maintain and develop its culture.

Furthermore, the right to full measure of self-government and to establish

governmental organs in the territory they inhabit is another right given to nations,

nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia.

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