Africa-Press – Eswatini. Democracy, most scholars and commentators agree, is a very elusive concept. Its elusiveness has allowed many leaders an opportunity to define it in in their own terms. While most agree that it is generally universal, where it suits us, we are happy to customise and redefine to suit our own selfish agendas and depart significantly from the widely accepted minimum standards, thereby shifting goalposts for political expediency. One judge even posited that democracy, like beauty really, lies in the eyes of the beholder. International law, to which nation states like Eswatini supposedly voluntarily subject themselves to, helps mark out what is meant by democracy in broad terms. This helps rein in on the fluidity of this concept by putting in place minimum standards.
The United Nations (UN), of which we are member in good standing, helps to a great extent in defining what democracy is. In the year 2000, the former commission on human rights declared what is regarded as essential elements of democracy. That list contains; respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; freedom of association; freedom of expression and opinion; access to power and its exercise in accordance with the rule of law; the holding of periodic free and fair elections by universal suffrage and by secret ballot as the expression of the will of the people; A pluralistic system of political parties and organisations; The separation of powers; The independence of the judiciary; transparency and accountability in public administration; free, independent and pluralistic media.
Most of the things mentioned in that list also form part of what is known as tenets and principles of democracy, which I will address in another piece. Given, no country can profess to have the best democracy. Democracy, to give my two cents worth, is but a state of becoming, not being. Naturally, some countries are light ahead of others as they keep evolving and strengthening the pillars, institutions and mindsets that are needed to advance the quest of democratisation. The elements listed by the UN above are some of the important yardsticks which we must use to gauge how democratic we are.
Reflect
Now, as a nation, how do we think we fare based on this yardstick? I will not draw from all the elements in that long list but I would like us to reflect on some. On the score of human rights, for instance, how do we fare as a country. How many times have we come under international spotlight for human rights abuses? The ongoing civil unrest is a case in point. Unconfirmed reports are that over a hundred people have lost their lives while scores more were severely injured by security forces. Moons later, have we heard of any planned investigation or inquest into those deaths?
If there were to be an open platform for people who have been victims of police and military brutality over the last couple of months, I am certain there would be thousands who would come forth. Reflect, if you may, on generally how we treat people who advocate for change. The continuing deprivation of liberty of the two Members of Parliament (MPs) in prison is something to reflect on in this regard. How free are emaSwati to boldly speak their minds on matters political if their views are not in tandem with those of the ruling oligarchy? Can we say with unflinching confidence that we have an independent judiciary? Recruitment of our judges still does not allow for openness and competitiveness.
Safeguard
What also becomes indicative on a nation’s commitment to democracy are the institutions put in place to safeguard it. These should be independent and not work under whims of one authority. They must be well equipped with the requisite resources in order to perform their functions. If you look at the Human Rights Commission, for instance, you will note how under-resourced and limited it is. That alone is clear sign that human rights for us are not at the top of national priorities. On that score alone, you can make your own assessment of the health or otherwise of what our leaders insist is democracy.
While democracy is not about fighting and killing each other, it is also important not to end by stating what it is not. While structures are in place, they lose all legitimacy if they do not advance the interests of the people. The structures must advance the interests of the people and affirm their rights and freedoms. Real power, in a true democracy, lies with the people. With democracy comes tolerance and giving vent to all views of the people, even if they are not the things we want to hear. We need to seriously reflect on where we come from and where exactly we want to go. Whose direction are we really taking and for whose interests?
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