Everything is wrong about democracy here in my country! sometimes I even think if it would have been better staying under the British rule and we never found democracy in the first place but I guess we just have to appreciate what God has allowed to happen and focus on how we can go better from where we are now.
I would always think that I am not good with politics but then, anything I know about my country, the state she is in now and what is happening around me, I can say it is politics as well and I have all the right to say what is in my mind about the current state of democracy down here.
I may not be very good with how I present what is in mind about the prompt but I do hope to read what you think about my points and possible recipes (solutions) that I'll share. What is important to note is that, we all want a better phase for our country, one that is fair and free to all.
Since the start of democratic system, Nigeria has undoubtedly experienced various challenges or issues that are going contrary to what democracy should stand for. This has been a big problem and to address it, I believe we need the effort of Government, civil society and the citizens. No, one set can not do it alone.
There are a lot of issues that has succeeded in taking away our democracy but with a few reforms put in place, we believe things will become much better for everyone. The weak institutions (the judiciary, legislature and civil service) have become one of the significant challenges to the country's democracy. It's sad to know that these institutions that are supposed to be independent or at least effective in their duty, are instead lacking in being accountable with no transparency in their roles.
A possible solution for this is that the government have a bigger role to play here. Power should be given to the judiciary and legislature to make and carry out laws without fear or favouring anyone against the laws.
The fraud and violence during elections is another anti-democracy that needs to be addressed. The recent election here was another example of how bad elections are carried out in this country. There is the voter intimidation (where voters are either forced to vote for who they don't want or they are restricted from voting), snatching of ballot boxes and some elections even take lives of citizens who went to vote.
It could be better and possible for a democratic country if the government will let the electoral body (those who organize and run the elections) to be independent in their roles and the political parties made to stick to the rules of the election or face penalty.
One that seem to be the leading anti-democracy is Corruption and it's effect on the state of the country is growing day by day. Every aspect of the country seem to have been ingested with the corruption syrup, from the government to citizens and this is very concerning if we want to achieve democracy truly.
It's hard to fix this issue but I think a small solution would be the Government giving strict laws to punish offenders. It would take a lot of effort from the government and the people that would be assigned to make sure this is carried out but I believe it would go a long way in correcting this.
The last one I'll like to touch on as an issue for Democracy is Insecurities. One of our rights as citizens is the right to life and properties but that right is really becoming hard to exercise as a citizen. People lose their lives and properties everyday and the government seem to do nothing about it because many in power are focused on what they would gain rather than pursuing democracy.
It would be another difficult one to make Reforms on but it isn't impossible and one thing I think can be done is the government providing adequate resources to level up the security in the country. The country is our home and we're supposed to feel safe in our home.
Like I had said, all these solutions can only be possible with the efforts of everyone in the country, from the government to citizens. We all have a role to play to achieve a democratic country.
Images are AI generated
