Cambridge IGCSE Development Studies
The government controlled the military which fought the ‘rebels’ who had joined together as a fighting force, even though they were unorganised, from different cultures and religions and ill-equipped with weapons. Fierce fighting together with international pressure on the government led, eventually, to the dictator being captured and killed, and the country liberated. A council was set up to oversee the transition of the country from dictatorship to democracy and nine months later the first elections were held for seats in the General National Assembly. This was the first free election in the country for 60 years.
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What are some of the problems that a new government, such as the one in Libya, might have to solve?
Democracies ‘Neither peace nor development can thrive without democracy and respect for human rights.’ United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon – 2009 Democracy is one of the core principles of the UN. It is based on: government by the will of the people through elections the rule of law the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The word ‘democracy’ comes from the Greek ‘demos’ meaning ‘the people’ and ‘kratos’ meaning ‘authority’. The opening words of the UN Charter are ‘We the Peoples…’. In other words, the will of the people is the legitimate authority of nations and the UN as a whole. Authority is accepted if people choose those in authority.
Characteristics of a democracy 1. Elections are held with all adults over a Definition certain age having a vote in a secret ballot. Independent judiciary: judges Anyone can form a political party and stand and trials are not influenced by for election and the more parties there are, the government the greater the choice people have. There is Trade union: workers who no threat of violence to anyone to vote in a form a group to negotiate better particular way or inaccurate counting of votes. conditions and pay 2. Everyone is equal before the law including members of the government. All citizens have the right to a fair trial and an independent judiciary ensures this happens. 3. Human rights and fundamental freedoms include: freedom of speech for all people and the media