Challenges to Democracy Democracy has no Challenger But Has Challenges

A difficulty that carries within it an opportunity for progress. What is a Challenge? A difficulty that carries within it an opportunity for progress.

Foundational Challenge Challenge of Expansion Challenge of Deepening The Challenges Foundational Challenge Challenge of Expansion Challenge of Deepening

The Foundational Challenge It’s found in those countries where Democracy is not there How to overcome this Challenge? Bring down non Democratic Form of Govt. Keep the Military away Establish a sovereign and functional state

The Challenge of Expansion Most Democracies face this Challenge How to overcome this Challenge? Democratic Principles Regions Institutions Social Groups Women

The Challenge of Expansion How to overcome this Challenge? Less and less decision should remain outside the areas of democratic control. In essence, this challenge can be overcome if Democracy becomes more inclusive.

The Challenge of Expansion Visible steps taken in India Division of Power between the Central Government and the State Govts. Reserved seats for SCs/STs and OBCs Poverty Alleviation Programmes

The Challenge of Deepening All Democracies face this Challenge How to Overcome this Challenge? Strengthening the Institutions and practice of Democracy People should be able to realise their expectations Bring down the control of the Rich and the Powerful in Decision making Process

The Challenge of Deepening Why is it difficult to overcome? People have different expectations Expectations vary from country to country Also varies from time to time The best way is to strengthen those institutions of Democracy that help People’s participation and Control

The Challenge of Deepening Visible steps taken in India AAP consulted people in Delhi before forming the Government RTI and RTE Lokpal

Political Reforms/Democracy Reforms There cannot be a ready made solution Challenges vary with Space and Time What is a relevant solution can become obsolete tomorrow Solution for one Democracy may not apply to another

Political Reforms/Democracy Reforms Some Broad Suggestions Legal Constitutional Changes Quality of Political Practice Role of Pressure Groups, Movements, Media and Citizens

Political Reforms/Democracy Reforms Legal Constitutional Changes It’s tempting to think about these changes. Should be carefully designed to encourage Good practice and discourage Bad practice

Political Reforms/Democracy Reforms Legal Constitutional Changes 3. If not carefully thought of, it can become counter productive Examples: LBW has improved the quality of Cricket playing because the law was accepted by all stake holders –Players, Coaches and Administrators.

Political Reforms/Democracy Reforms Legal Constitutional Changes Examples: b) RTI is one such carefully thought of Legal change. c) Some states banned persons having more than 2 children from contesting elections. This was carefully thought. It snatched away the basic Right to Represent

Political Reforms/Democracy Reforms Quality of Political Practice The principle way to reform Politics is to strengthen Democratic Practice. There is a need to increase and improve the quality of political practice by ordinary citizens

Political Reforms/Democracy Reforms Role of Pressure Groups, Movements, Media and Citizens Political parties don’t pass laws that go against their interest. So, its necessary to think not only of good solution but also who implements them. Hence, citizens organisations, political movements and media are likely to succeed.

That’s it. The rest in the Class