Youth & Democracy
Posted by Simon Karwamba on Monday, December 22, 2008
What do the youth actually understand as the meaning of Democracy? Do they really know exactly what their role is as far as enhancing democracy is concerned?
I wish to start by adding my own definition of the term democracy in relation to governance.
Taking Kenya as a case study platform, the so called democracy in the country has been a total mockery of all its virtuals and policies governing its sourcing and implementation. The political class has taken advantage of the ignorance of the populace in defining the actual meaning of democracy and turned it around to suit their own ambitions, ambitions that led to the post-election violence and criminal activities and deaths that characterized the announcement of the December 2007 general elections.
During the whole campaign period and even immediately after the announcement of the results, youths were taken advantage of and used to ensure that self centered interests and goals were achieved, regardless of the consequences of such an action. The aftermath was unnecessary and uncalled for deaths, destruction of property, deterioration of morals and human rights and escalation of crime and lawlessness.
Why?
Because of twisted definitions of the term democracy that end up confusing the electorate to the advantage of those seeking employment from the same electorate. This is in turn turned around to their advantage by pretending to act to salvage the situation that they themselves have created.
I wish to start by adding my own definition of the term democracy in relation to governance.
- Democracy is the governance of a jurisdiction by the majority, who are the people of that particular jurisdiction.
- Democracy is a system of governance run by the people, for the people.
- Democracy is a system of equity among all.
- Democracy is a system of servantship by representatives of the people and not ruling nor directorship neither dictatorship.
- Democracy is a system of dialogue, consultation and total consideration of all stakeholders regardless.
- Democracy is the freedom for expression and movement, creating room for agreements and disagreements and providing an environment of progress, peace, stability and tranquility.
Taking Kenya as a case study platform, the so called democracy in the country has been a total mockery of all its virtuals and policies governing its sourcing and implementation. The political class has taken advantage of the ignorance of the populace in defining the actual meaning of democracy and turned it around to suit their own ambitions, ambitions that led to the post-election violence and criminal activities and deaths that characterized the announcement of the December 2007 general elections.
During the whole campaign period and even immediately after the announcement of the results, youths were taken advantage of and used to ensure that self centered interests and goals were achieved, regardless of the consequences of such an action. The aftermath was unnecessary and uncalled for deaths, destruction of property, deterioration of morals and human rights and escalation of crime and lawlessness.
Why?
Because of twisted definitions of the term democracy that end up confusing the electorate to the advantage of those seeking employment from the same electorate. This is in turn turned around to their advantage by pretending to act to salvage the situation that they themselves have created.