Respecting the will of the people is the bedrock of democracy – Bawumia tells audience in Nigeria
Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has highlighted the power of the people as a fundamental pillar of democracy that must be respected for democratic systems to thrive.
Speaking as the keynote speaker at Nigeria's National Conference on Strengthening Democracy on Monday, January 27, Dr Bawumia lamented the "increasing fragility" of democracy in parts of Africa and stressed that for democracy to flourish, political leaders must trust the political system and honour the will of the people.
"Between 2020 and 2023, there have been about eight coup d’états in Africa. A few leaders have also changed or are changing their constitutions to allow them to stay in power beyond their constitutionally mandated terms. The increasing fragility of democracy in Africa and across the world is cause for concern," Dr Bawumia said.
"In democratic countries, the will of the people is expressed through elections, and leaders, especially incumbents, must trust the electoral process and accept the will of the people for the survival of democracy," he urged.
He continued: "The right of the citizenry to choose leaders in a free and transparent manner is sacrosanct and remains one of the most vital anchors of a true democratic dispensation."
While calling for the protection of citizens’ right to vote and urging political leaders to respect the will of the people, Dr Bawumia added that democratic institutions must also be strengthened to ensure a more robust and prosperous democracy.
"One of the most important determinants of a flourishing democracy is the quality of institutions; institutions capable of guaranteeing rights, including property rights, and checking wanton abuse of power," he noted.
"These institutions include the independent election management bodies, the judiciary, the ombudsman, the police, other law enforcement agencies, and many others."
For a stronger democracy in Africa, Dr Bawumia called for collective efforts and urged citizens to actively play their part by holding political leaders accountable in a responsible manner.
"Strengthening democracy is not an event. It will require sustained efforts collectively applied to multiple sectors, institutions, and structures."
"Citizens need to play their part by holding duty bearers and political office holders to account by bringing relevant facts, information, and well-thought-out ideas and suggestions to the forefront of national discourse."
"In effect, the watchdog role of citizens, if devoid of misinformation, fake news, and partisan narratives, can go a long way to sustain a culture of democratic governance."
Dr Bawumia concluded by stating that, in spite of concerns about democracy, it remains the best form of government to guarantee the liberties of the people.
"Despite the imperfections of democracy, it remains the preferred form of governance that can guarantee individual liberties and rights. Prime Minister Winston S. Churchill beautifully summarises this point in a line, to wit: ‘Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.’"