[Source](https://pixabay.com/photos/gavel-auction-law-hammer-symbol-2492011/)
I have realized that I enjoy discussing politics. Usually, I try as much as I can to avoid touchy subjects, and until recently, I considered politics a touchy subject and only discussed it with certain people. However, my perspective on this changed last month when I had a deep conversation with my friends about the economy of our country, and other areas. I realized that politics is such an interesting topic to discuss as long as it doesn't get heated.
Today’s prompt in the Hive learners community is about democracy. The definition of democracy has been stuck in my head since elementary school days. Our civic education teacher made us learn it by heart. “Democracy is a system of government of the people, by the people and for the people.” As I advanced in class, I learnt a more advanced definition of democracy. So many countries run a democratic system of government. Countries like the United States of America, South Korea, New Zealand and so on. My country, Nigeria is no exception as the country also runs a democratic system of government. Nigeria transitioned to a democratic system(from a military system) on May 5, 1999, under the rule of Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo.
Sadly, democracy in my country is just words on paper. Here, democracy is not a system of government of the people, by the people and for the people. Instead, it is a system by the greedy leaders and for the interests of the greedy leaders, their big-headed sons and daughters. Not only are our voices not heard, but our mouths have been tied. Democracy is a system of government in which power is vested in the hands of the majority. We claim to run a democratic system, but the majority are just pawns in the game. And the “elected” leaders are kings and queens, enjoying the country's resources.
The main features of a democratic government are; free and fair election, rule of law, freedom of speech, and equality before the law. Unfortunately, none of these are followed in my country. The irony is that these things are clearly stated in the constitution, but they are not practiced. For example, free and fair elections. As long as I can remember, there's never been a free and fair election in my country. I'm not an expert when it comes to politics, but I believe a free and fair election is one in which citizens vote for their prefered candidate in a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
The reverse is the case over here. During elections, political parties utilize political thugs to manipulate and alter the election process. They go as far as snatching ballot boxes, burning ballot papers, and intimidating citizens to vote for a certain candidate. During the last presidential election, military men were placed in strategic polling points. The military men were political thugs in uniforms. As instructed, they voted citizens to vote for a certain candidate and any one who didn't comply was dealt with. They claim we are running a democratic system, but we are not allowed to vote for our preferred candidates? Very barbaric!
Similarly, the concept of freedom of speech is mere words on paper. Yes, it is clearly written and stamped in the constitution, but how effective is it? Currently, there are so many people sleeping in prison cells all because they exercised their freedom of speech. Four years ago, the citizens had enough of police brutality. They took it to the streets to voice out their opinions. And what did they get in return? Guns and bullets! What did they get in return for expressing their rights? Bloodshed and lifeless bodies. Are we really running a democratic system or a dictatorship system in the making?
In my opinion, Nigeria isn't operating a democratic system. Or at least, it is not effective. To make the voices of the people heard, the first thing that should be done is to wipe everyone currently holding a political position. New people should come into power, because it is obvious those in power now don’t care about the welfare of the people. I believe that this is the first step to achieving a better democratic government.
Thanks for reading.
