Is democracy the final solution that the west has to offer to the developing countries as some sort of a broad-spectrum antibiotic for alleviating a myriad of social, political and economical problems and escalating development? While democratic ideals have worked in Europe, America, and a handful of Asian countries, the world as a whole has seen democratic ideals bringing no bounty to the poor in the impoverished nations of Africa, Latin America and Asia. Political violence, feudal patronage and corruption seem to have made democracy inoperable in these regions.
While Bangladesh is gearing up for the election under the aegis of a neutral caretaker government, is it time to warn the poor people of Bangladesh the futility of democracy or should the poor look upon democracy as the ultimate path towards a good life. The touring British foreign secretary David Miliband has urged for a clean and effective government for the country, but will the citizens be able to choose a corruption free regime after 37 years of independence most of which saw either a repressive military regime or a corrupt democratic government of either Khalida Zia or Shiekh Hassina.
What ever be the shortcomings of democracy and whatever the brighter sides of authoritarian regimes are, democracy with its freedom of expression is the ‘least bad system yet devised’. If the people of Bangladesh are euphoric about the impending elections then it is because of their desire to choose their representatives who can be their voices, no matter how imperfect they might be, to be heard in the administration.
Source: Guardian
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