What is Democracy

• Democracy describes a system of making rules for a group of people

• “The rule of the people.”• By nature, its a form of government

based on the premise that each citizen is politically equal

• No class of people have the right to govern, everybody has the same freedom, rights and liberties

Democracy = Elections

• Referendums in direct democracies – Switzerland – Anyone can vote about anything

• Consensus decision making – Reminiscent of the ancient Greek

system – Anyone can discuss about anything

until a common consensus is reached

• Because all these processes are long, it results in the participation of genuinely interested people

Democracy = Elections

• Lottery Elections – Deep belief that officials are given

equal chances to succeed – It was irrelevant whether or not a

particular candidate had more support or financial backing

– Wealth was immaterial – Equality for all citizens

• Add more if you want…

Democracy not = Elections

• Show Elections could be held

– “Single Candidate” show elections• Only one candidate; no alternative choices

for voters to vote beyond this one candidate

– “Fixed Vote” show election • Offers several candidates • Government uses intimidation or vote

rigging to ensure high ‘yes’ vote • Or, only government approved candidates

are chosen

– Example: Iraq, when Saddam Hussein was still in power

Democracy not = Elections

– “False Diversity” show election • Several choices available that ALL

supports the status quo

– Government controls media• Where most voters are informed• Eg. 2004 re-election of Russian president

Vladimir Putin – State controlled media and condemned

oppositions

– Virtually unlimited free advertising for Putin’s campaigning

• Opposition parties not given access to radio, newspaper and television coverage

• Media becomes biased

Democracy not = Elections

– Opposition parties do not enjoy rights to freedom of speech/movement/assembly to voice opinions to voters

• Politicians are harassed ; events organised by them are disrupted

• Eg. Zimbabwe (history of political violence and unfair elections)

– Since campaigning requires good financial support, wealthy people given better chances

• Rich people who lack principles are favoured by media

• Wins and overpowers candidates who are poorer but more honest

– Add more if you want…

Conclusion

• Supports more that democracy does not equal elections

The End

• Done by: – Andre – Jie Yong – Joyce – Kuan Yee

– To add: benedict….? HAHA.