The Failings of Democracy Democracy is regarded by many as the best form of government. Perhaps, this stands to reason. Yet, its beauty (relative to its relevance) seems ephemeral. Hence, the need to ponder over a better system of government. What is democracy without knowledge? How knowledgeable are the governed in most parts of the world where it subsists? What is the cost of knowledge? Why the increasing disparity in knowledge even in this era of Information Technology? Obviously, the poverty of knowledge is not for want of cerebral fecundity. Requisite information about ‘’democratic operations’’ appears to be deliberately hoarded for ‘’the best interest of the people’’. Would it then be right to assert that democracy strives on the paradigm that ‘’all are equal, but some are more equal’’ rather than the façade of ‘’equality of all’’ it presents? Is democracy a pseudonym? Is democracy ‘’demo-crazy’’ a crazy demonstration? An opium? Of course, democracy is vacuous without the holistic empowerment of the governed. Democracy is so highly flawed even where it finds its best representation. It is nothing without workable systems. Therefore, effective and efficient systems supersede democracy. Workable systems are almost on eternal holidays in most developing nations, especially Nigeria. Here, so easily perverted, democracy strives on the gullibility of the majority. There appears to be a sustained attempt to misinform and delude the people (who are mainly illiterate or educated illiterates). After all, democracy is a function of numbers. Those adept in its contortions and manipulations carry the day in a land where penury drains morality. There must be a better way out of the failings of democracy.
Imoukhuede Moses Idehai imoism@gmail.com