During this week, our respected lecturer Prof. Evangelous presented the lecture about the decratization in the developing countries such as America, China, India and so on. By democratization, it means strengthening popular participation in the exercise of power, building democratic institutions and practices, and deepening democratic values in society.
Mechanisms for participation include formal processes such as elections and referenda. Participation also takes place less formally through a wide range of independent popular organizations (referred to collectively as “civil society”) which serve to articulate and channel people’s concerns. Democratic institutions include federal and provincial/state legislatures and municipal councils, and institutions such as the judiciary that are responsible for the rule of law.
I think that strong democratic society will be marked by respect for human rights, particularly the “democratic rights” of freedom of opinion, expression and association, the right to take part in the conduct of public affairs, and to vote and be elected at genuine and periodic elections held by secret ballot. It will be characterized by a strong and vibrant civil society, and tolerance for dissent and opposition, an active, independent media, an independent judiciary, and a high level of public understanding of and participation in the political process.
week 7
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