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REVIVING DEMOCRACY: INDIA’S DEMOCRATIC LANDSCAPE

Syllabus:

GS 2: 

• Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme with that of Other Countries.
• Democracy

Focus:

• India’s ongoing election prompts a deeper examination of shifting perceptions in democratic systems worldwide.

• Insights from a recent Pew Research Center survey reveal changing attitudes towards governance, warranting a closer look at the global democratic landscape.

Source: Medium

Global Trends in Democracy:

1. The Pew Research Center’s survey across 24 countries from February to May 2023 provides insights into evolving democratic sentiments worldwide.
2. Despite a high level of optimism (77%) about representative democracy, there is a discernible erosion of trust in traditional democratic systems.
3. An increasing number of respondents (70%) express support for direct democracy, indicating a preference for bypassing elected leaders in decision-making processes.
4. The survey also highlights a rising inclination towards rule by experts (26%) and authoritarian governance (15%), driven by perceptions of efficiency and economic development.
5. These trends suggest a significant shift in global attitudes towards governance, with implications for democratic institutions and practices worldwide.

Perceptions of Democracy in India:

1. India’s support for representative democracy has declined from 44% in 2017 to 36% in 2023, indicating a waning faith in traditional democratic processes.
2. Conversely, there has been a notable increase in backing for strong leadership, with 67% of Indians expressing support for leaders with significant authority.
3. Support for rule by experts has also seen a significant rise, soaring from 65% to 82%, reflecting changing perceptions towards centralized decision-making.
4. The most striking shift is the overwhelming preference for military rule or authoritarian leadership, with 85% of Indians favouring such governance models.
5. These trends underscore a growing disillusionment with democratic norms and a shifting preference towards alternative forms of governance among Indian citizens.

Challenges to Democratic Foundations:

1. Despite the inherent instability and diversity of democratic systems, challenges such as corruption, unemployment, and civil liberty violations threaten democratic integrity.
2. Issues like electoral doubts and economic disparities further erode public trust in democratic institutions and processes.
3. The recent Democracy Report 2024 by the V-Dem Institute downgrades India across multiple metrics, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen democratic foundations.
4. Democratic principles, including inclusivity, transparency, and accountability, remain essential for societal progress and stability.
5. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from governments, civil society, and citizens to uphold democratic values and institutions.
6. Political polarization poses a significant challenge to democratic foundations, leading to gridlock, divisiveness, and an erosion of trust in institutions.
7. Threats to freedom of expression and press freedom undermine democratic principles, stifling dissent and hindering the free exchange of ideas.
8. Electoral integrity issues, such as voter suppression, electoral fraud, and the influence of money in politics, undermine the legitimacy of democratic processes.
9. Rising populism and the manipulation of public opinion through disinformation campaigns erode public trust in democratic institutions and promote anti-establishment sentiments.
10. The concentration of power in the hands of a few political elites or oligarchs undermines the principles of democratic governance and fosters inequality and injustice.

Building Strong Democracies:

1. Strengthening Democracy by Design advocates for four key pillars: participatory, free and equal, educated and informed, and accountable and justly governed.
2. Incorporating these fundamental attributes into governance is essential for ensuring the functioning of a robust democracy.
3. The Civic Bargain – How Democracy Survives emphasizes the importance of fostering a robust civic bargain system to promote cooperation and accountability among citizens.
4. Investing in education, critical thinking, and media literacy can empower citizens to actively participate in democratic processes and hold their leaders accountable.
5. Promoting dialogue, inclusivity, and unity are crucial steps towards fostering an inclusive democratic space where all voices are heard and respected.

Way Forward / Path to Strengthen Democracy:

1. Inclusivity and Unity: Prioritize inclusivity and unity to address political polarization and societal divisions.
2. Tackling Economic Inequality: Focus on addressing economic inequality through policies that promote social justice and equitable opportunities.
3. Enhancing Education: Invest in education, particularly critical thinking skills, media literacy, and conflict resolution training, to empower citizens.
4. Constitutional Education: Integrate the study of the Constitution into educational curricula to foster a deeper understanding of democratic principles and governance.
5. Promoting Dialogue and Negotiation: Emphasize the importance of dialogue and negotiation in resolving conflicts and addressing diverse societal needs.

Conclusion:

Understanding shifting global perceptions towards democracy is crucial for India and other democracies. By addressing challenges and embracing inclusive governance, nations can revitalize democratic principles and ensure a brighter future for all citizens.

Source:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/reversing-the-global-democratic-recession/article68099161.ece/amp/

Mains Practice Question:

Identify and analyze the key challenges faced by the democratic system in India. Discuss how these challenges impact democratic governance and suggest measures to overcome them.

Associated Articles:

https://universalinstitutions.com/elegant-symphony-of-democracy/