What Is Democracy?
Democracy is a system of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise it directly or through freely elected representatives.
Abraham Lincoln defined democracy as: "Government of the people, by the people, for the people."
Types of Democracy
- Direct democracy: Citizens directly vote on laws and policies (ancient Athens)
- Representative (indirect) democracy: Citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf (Nigeria, USA)
Features of Democracy
- Free, fair and regular elections
- Rule of law (everyone is subject to the law)
- Separation of powers (Executive, Legislature, Judiciary)
- Respect for human rights and freedoms
- Freedom of the press
- Independent judiciary
- Majority rule with minority rights
Good Governance
Good governance means managing public affairs and resources in a manner that is transparent, accountable, responsive, efficient and equitable.
Principles of Good Governance
- Transparency and accountability
- Rule of law
- Participation of citizens
- Equity and inclusiveness
- Effectiveness and efficiency
- Responsiveness to citizens' needs