Dissent in democracy

Does democracy solve all issues for all men (and women)?

No! Is it the best form of government?

Some people think not; particularly, in our parts of the world, where conforming to rules and laws is so difficult for most of us.

Recently, there have been debates on the benefits of democracy in some countries in Africa.

Most democratic countries on the continent have little social, economic and political transformational results, to show for it.

However, some countries with authoritarian rule, like Rwanda are showing signs of progress and real development.

Two issues have agitated my mind for a long time and have caused me to have the writer’s block.

I really could not muster up the urge to write about anything else, as long as the issues gnawed away in my heart.

The first was the alleged coup plot by the Proprietor of the Citadel Hospital at Alajo in Accra, Dr. Frederick Yao Mac-Palm, and his suspected accomplices.

The second, the secessionist group of Western Togoland with their ‘President’ Charles Komi Kudzordzi. Both cases are before the courts.

What has bothered me about the two issues, however, has been the place of dissent in a democracy.

In the case of the secessionist group, most Ghanaians have made fun of them. It is, however, evident that such ‘dissidents’, those allegedly attempting the coup and those in the secessionist group, have issues.

Thus, I have wondered whether democracies accommodate dissent and how dissidents are handled in a democratic space.

The Twi word for democracy often fills me with awe, when I hear it on the radio: ka bi, ma me nka bi amanbou (literally: the ‘say and let me say some’ form of governance).

But is it truly like that in a democracy? Can we freely air our opinions to be taken in good faith, while not being branded as traitors and our actions treasonable?

Democracy, by its very nature, is liberal. It is, however, the laws that circumscribe the liberality of views and acts.

Thus, even if I can say all on my chest, as the 'say and let me say some governance' implies, I have to be careful that the issues flowing from the heart does not bother a neighbour.

Does democracy then give us false hopes? Purporting to be completely liberal, but intrinsically dogmatic, by its laws? Do men (and women) preach democratic principles out of the right corner of the lips and from the left spew authoritarian passions?

Well, I am still thinking about these issues. I hope academicians in political science may see my predicament and help me out, by clarifing my thoughts.

I am also wondering if dissent can be taken in good faith by those who rule.

Not the treasonable ones, of course; but the annoying dissent, the ones that some live by and make an anthem of day and night to the chagrin of the government.

Can those with the power have the presence of mind and heart to listen, even when it annoys and bothers? Can they have the magnanimity to win over dissidents, convincingly?

I strongly believe that dissent (the mild ones) is necessary in a democracy, since that form of government in itself is not a bullet that solves all human challenges.

Dissent enriches thought, debate and dialogue. Additionally, we are all not the same nor do we all think the same.

Dissent is like criticism.

It is hard to bear. However, when taken in good faith, it has the ability to make clear issues and enable a person to decipher where a dissenting party is coming from.

In developed countries, with sophisticated democracies, eggs are thrown in faces of leaders for policies people oppose.

These days American schoolchildren are often in the streets protesting the gun policies of President Trump.

Last month, some American public officials testified against their president putting ‘a little pressure’ on the Ukranian government to investigate his rival, Joe Biden, for aid.

Here it could be a treasonable offence to accuse the President of anything.

Perhaps with time, when we take the shine from positions and those who occupy them and place that shine on institutions, we may also boast of that type and those who dissent would not be parias.

Also with time, our laws may grow to accomodate dissent, even of the treasonable kind. Who knows?

caroline.boateng@graphic.com.gh