Democracy
(zain saeed siddiqui, karachi)
Democracy is the most popular
form of government in the modern times. An other familiar name of Democracy is
“Government by consent”. To quote Abraham Lincoln it is commonly defined as
“Government of the people by the people and for the people”. in simple words it
may be any scheme of government in which the people are allowed to take part as
a matter of right. It may be of two kinds direct and indirect. The indirect
democracy is in vogue these days. It is also called representative democracy or
government through representatives. Like all other systems it has some merits
and demerits also.
Democracy has many merits. First it works for the betterment of the common man.
Second it is based on equality. every citizen is thought to be equal to law.
Third it allows the people the right to change the government through vote.
Fourth it gives birth to a stable government because it reduces the danger of
revolt. Fifth in democracy more importance is given to the education of man. It
gives the people the sense of self help and responsibility.
Democracy has some demerits also. First it gives birth to party politics which
destroys the liberty and individuality of the people. Second it is a very
expensive form of government. Third moral values are ignored in democracy. Every
thing is fair for winning the elections. Fourth bribery and corruption are the
common abuses of democracy. Fifth it is an irresponsible and inefficient sort of
government. The elected people are usually ignorant of their responsibilities.
Islamic concept of democracy is different from the modern concept of democracy.
First in Islam authority lies in God and not in the people. Second the
government is there not to please the people but to enforce the orders of God.
Third there is no party politics in Islamic concept of democracy. Fourth quality
and not quantity is given more importance in the election or selection of
representatives.
Modern democracy can be improved if we run it on the lines given by Islam, then
it can bring real peace and justice in the world. It is then that we may call it
the best form of government.