Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:
A Simple Definition
We could thus start with a simple definition: democracy is a form of government in which the rulers
are elected by the people.
This is a useful starting point. This definition allows us to separate democracy from forms of government
that are clearly not democratic. The army rulers of Myanmar are not elected by the people. Those who
happen to be in control of the army become the rulers of the country.
People have no say in this decision. Dictators like Pinochet are not elected by the people. This also
applies to monarchies. The kings of Nepal and Saudi Arabia rule not because the people have chosen
them to do so but because they happen to be born into the royal family.
This simple definition is not adequate. It reminds us that democracy is people's rule. But if we use this
definition in an unthinking manner, we would end up calling almost every government that holds an
election a democracy. That would be very misleading.
23.1. Give an example to show how a popular government can be undemocratic and popular leader
can be autocratic.
23.2. Based on your example, state any two core features of democracy?
Answers
Answer:
Since its independence in 1980, Zimbabwe has been ruled by ZANU-PF, the party that led the freedom struggle. Its leader, Robert Mugabe, has been ruling the country since then. Elections have been held regularly and always won by ZANU-PF. President Mugabe is popular but also uses unfair practices in elections. Over the years his government has changed the constitution several times to increase the powers of the President and make him less accountable. Opposition party workers are harassed and their meeting disrupted. Public protests and demonstrations against the government are declared illegal. There is a law that limits the right to criticize the President. Television and radio are controlled by the government and give only the ruling party's version