Democracy and continuous citizen participation

DESPITE massive education and information campaigns, the voter turnout at Guyana’s last local government elections (LGEs) in 2016 was fewer than half the number of eligible voters. Tomorrow Guyanese will again have the opportunity to elect their local representatives, as local democracy is once again renewed by LGEs as required by the constitution.

The strength of democracies though, is dependent on more than periodic renewal, although this is an essential factor. Real democracy requires that citizens and governments recognise the vital nature of the idea articulated in Article 9 of the constitution.

The article states that, “Sovereignty belongs to the people who exercise it through their representatives and the democratic organs established by or under the Constitution.”
The role of government, therefore, is to hold elections, equally importantly, it is the patriotic duty and moral responsibility of citizens to participate in governance.

While that participation includes voting, there are much wider, more diverse opportunities to perform other actions that positively contribute to the health and strength of the democratic systems of government. And all citizens should make maximal use of those opportunities to build stronger democratic institutions and increase the prospects of a better life for all.

Democracy in Guyana – rule by the people – takes the form of representative systems in the three tiers of government. Citizens are empowered by law to elect their leaders or representatives at the central, regional and neighbourhood levels. That right to choose leaders is one that had not always existed; people have fought and died for that right. Indeed, to this day, in some countries people have no such opportunity. With that in mind, Guyanese should always exercise that right.

Beyond the right to vote, enshrined in Guyana’s constitution are numerous provisions which allow citizen participation. In fact, Article 13 expressly makes clear that citizen participation is the goal of our political system. It states, “The principal objective of the political system of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens and their organisations in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being.”

As such, beyond the act of participation in the electoral process by voting, Guyanese should continuously play a part in governance; they should not just vote and then be mere spectators in between elections.

American political scientist Larry Diamond wrote that, “Democracy consists of four key elements: a political system for choosing and replacing the government through free and fair elections; the active participation of the people in politics and civic life; protection of human rights and a rule of law, in which the laws and procedures apply equally to all citizens.” Other experts agree that those elements are the defining characteristics of democracy. And even a glance at those findings makes clear that citizens must continuously be involved in governance processes, if democracy is to be maintained and protected. So, how may that be done?

According to the United States Center for Civic Education (USCCE), an informed populace is the foundation of effective citizen participation in democratic governance. People can make good decisions only if they are informed. They should therefore seek out information, not only about the policy positions of candidates at election time, but citizens should work to stay up-to-date with what their elected representatives are doing.
Informed citizens – who, without prejudice – can correctly assess the accuracy of information are most qualified to contribute to good governance.

The USCCE recommends that informed people involve themselves in the political process by voting; running for office; participating in political discussions; expressing their opinions in the media, thereby giving governments feedback; campaigning; serving in the armed forces; and being active in non-governmental organisations, among other similar activities.

Experts say that participating in the [political] processes that affect our own lives is the only way to control our destinies. Political specialists say too, that deciding on how, and to what extent citizens should participate depends on the answers to three questions: what do citizens believe is the role of government? How important do citizens believe are their rights?

And are citizens satisfied with the performance of their elected representatives?
As LGE day approaches, Guyanese may wish to ponder these ideas, question their own motives, and contemplate what type of future they want. Is it a future of prejudice-driven stagnation, or one of progress propelled by innovative, visionary ideas? Guyanese may also wish, after LGEs are completed, to consider increasing their involvement in the workings of the political systems as those systems have the greatest impact on the quality of their lives.

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