Question

Here is some information about the four countries. Based on this information, how would you classify each of these countries. Write ‘democratic’, ‘undemocratic’ or ‘not sure’ against each of these. a) Country A: People who do not accept the country’s official religion do not have a right to vote. b) Country B: The same party has been winning elections for the last twenty years. c) Country C: The Ruling party has lost in the last three elections. d) Country D: There is no independent election commission.

Answer 1

Answer:

a) Country A is Undemocratic

• Every citizen should be given the right to vote and choose their rulers.
• If people are not given the right to vote based on religion then it is against the spirit of democracy.
• As per the principle of Universal Adult Franchise, everyone should have one vote and equal value should be given to each an every
• Without a strong reason no one can be denied their right to vote. It is important for democracy.
• People vary from each other, some may be unkind or kind, some may be illiterate or highly educated, some may be poor or rich; but all of them are human beings and they are entitled to their views and needs.
• The result of elections will impact everyone, hence all the citizens deserve the right to vote.
• In India, regardless of the gender, religion, caste; or all the citizens above the age of 18 years have the right to vote.

b)Country B – Not Sure

• One cannot make a definite conclusion about democracy in this case.
• If the Government is serious about serving people and are earnestly working for people, then people definite right to vote them back to power in every election. It is absolutely democratic.
• If citizens are unhappy with the Government and yet the Government keeps winning the elections, then it is the case of rigging the elections and without doubt the country will come under the category of undemocratic.
• Hence without more information it is not possible to make a definite conclusion in the case of country B.

c)Country C – Democratic

• In a democracy, the Government is held accountable by the people.
• In a democratic country, if the people are unhappy with the performance of the Government, then the Government will definitely lose the elections, as the people will vote them out of power.
• Hence Country C is definitely democratic.

d)Country D is Undemocratic

• Without an independent election commission, the country is definitely not democratic.
• The Election Commission needs to have the power to impose the code of conduct.
• The Election Commission should have the power to order repolling if there is rigging in any constituency.
• The election commission should have the power to reprimand the political parties or contesting candidates if there is violation of rules.