by Nicanor Cleto

Created on: December 06, 2009

Democracy comes in many forms. Communists call their version as Democratic Centralism, which means the communist party which theoretically is the party of the poor, hence the majority, holds the monopoly of wisdom and power. Plato and Aristotle, the Greek political thinkers who coined the word democracy or rule of majority were of course terrified by the concept and dismissed it unworkable as it means "rule of the mob".

On the other hand, Liberal democracy as practiced in the west is not a cure all form of government which can work for all societies and people.

England's adoption of House of Lords and House of Commons is a historic departure from the absolute rule of monarchs but then again England's democracy is far from perfect. The titled and the landed class insured their privilege as half of parliament, the Upper House, is automatically secured.

On the other hand, the Lower House or House of Commons remained open to both the moneyed and the underprivileged to contest. Given the material requirements of running political campaigns, the moneyed candidates enjoy enourmous advantage against candidates who are materially challenged. Beside, the monarchy is still retained, perhaps not directly ruling, but influential nonetheless.

American democracy is by far the closest to the ideal democracy as its birth was husbanded by gentlemen farmers and the leading citizens of the original states unencumbered to any monarchy or ruling class. Steeled by a War of Independence and hollowed by debate and consensus, American democracy, with the power of a free press, is by all measure to the best form of government suitable for an educated, prosperous and free society.

Unfortunately, there are prerequisites for liberal democracy to work. First requirement: A highly educated population, who by consensus want that form of government, and fully committed to the rights and obligations of freedom.

Second requirement: A stable government and prosperous economy. And Third requirement: A free press and a government committed to the Rule of Law. Absence of any of these requirements will most likely make the democratic experiment a failure.

In countries like those in the Middle East, liberal democracy has no chance of surviving. Governed for centuries by the Caliphate of the Ottoman Empire, the Middle East have always been led by rulers who kept all the wealth exclusively to their families, and gifted their people little education and lots of religious fervour.

China and Russia may not also be ready for liberal democracy despite their advances in education and economic progress, as both countries in their long history and vastness of territory, have always been led by powerful personalities and their citizenry accustomed to rigid central authority.

Singapore and Taiwan eventually moved towards democracy after long years of totalitarian rule only after securing a stable government of Rule of Law, a vibrant economy, a free press, and a highly educated population. American experiment for Japan is an instant success as Hirohito embraced the American solution, openly preaching support.

Besides, Japan had the most advanced economy before and after the war and her population the most educated. The Philippines is the most glaring example of democratic failure. The 50 years as a colony of the US, did not guarantee the success of democracy in the islands, as America failed to establish a sustainable economy and a population committed to the rights and obligation of freedom, before granting independence. Today, the Philippines has perhaps the most liberal press in Asia, is also one of the poorest in the region.

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