Suggestions For Polls
The measure of democratic norms is an inexact science that is often manipulated to suit the country, entity or individual taking that measure. The meaning and usefulness of democracy depends to what extent it serves the interests thereof of the practitioner. It suits authoritarian regimes to describe their concept of democracy as that suited to “the genius of the people”, it does not need a genius to surmise that democracy is often tailored to foster acceptance of domination by a strong minority, often perversely and contrary to the interests of the majority. The difference between such a “democracy” and dictatorship lies in the eyes of the beholder, at least in a dictatorship we hold one person accountable. In the two major democracies of the US and India, rightfully proud as bastions of democracy, “the first past the post” system negates the rule of the majority in favour of a strong minority, only 5% winning candidates got more than 50%. The need for a majority to exercise the voters’ mandate must be sacrosanct.
