by Rosemary Redfern

Created on: November 06, 2011

There is much discussion about democracy. In the West it is felt to be the best system of government. 

Democracy means everyone has a say, at least in theory in how their country is run. Everyone has a right to vote but why should the populace vote? What is there that individuals can do to influence how their government behaves in their name?

Ghandi was one man who had a vision. He did not like the prevailing way his country was being treated. He thought about it, then he took action. Or rather he became a passive activist. It took that one man to found a revolution and it was done, from his ideals, peaceably. 

There is a saying that 'a country gets the government it deserves'. People go into politics for many reasons; from a wish to serve, to self-serving greed for power.  The lack of interest by the general public is one reason they can get away with this behavior.  

One of the frustrating characteristics of politicians is that they seem unable to answer a straightforward question with a straightforward answer. However if everyone who is eligible to vote takes an active interest in what the government does in their name, keeps themselves well-informed about what is happening as much as it is possible to do and constantly questions politicians about their actions, those politicians who are devious are going to have to be careful. Openness can actually work if it is supported by everyone knowing what is going on. 

The Freedom of Information Act theoretically gives the public all they want to know.  The problem is knowing what questions to ask. Without keeping up to date with government policies, trends, ideas and actions that is impossible.  

Even if each person only has one vote, their vote makes a statement. That vote can elect a member of the ruling party or it can elect someone else who is, perhaps, more suitable. 

In countries around the world where the people are trying to establish a stable government run honestly, those people are willing to risk their lives, literally, to be able to line up and cast their vote. This suggests that having, at least, some sense of control in who runs their country is important to them. If this is the case it should be important to everyone especially in countries where the vote’s life is not in danger because they turn up to vote.

Voting is a right in so-called free countries. At the same time it is also a duty to take part in electing political representatives who will act towards neighbors well and make laws which the people agree with and consider sensible. If lack of interest by the voters means that unsuitable people are elected, they have no one but themselves to blame when the country is not run as they want it to be. 

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