Democracy — a lot more than elections?

JANUARY 2020 TOPIC: Pluralism that finds expression in ‘Unity in Diversity’ makes our Constitution really unique. What do you think?

Democracy is meant to empower the citizens. But the expansionist state is bent on luring citizens into surrendering their sovereignty and turning citizens into clients. Elected governments repeatedly fail the people as politicians ignore the fact that without free, empowered citizens there can be no real democracy. Post poll bargaining is now very common to gain power, which could make future generations dangerously cynical about democracy.
Sargun Kaur (13)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

Elections are important to keep a democracy functioning as they give people the right to elect their own government. Some people contest elections only to gain power while some really respect the ideals of democracy. So, democracy doesn’t simply mean elections. It is one small component to form a government of people’s choice. Democracy is also an ideology founded on the basis of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.
Gargi Mohan Kothe (15)
Agragami Convent School, Wardha

Democracy is not part of elections, but elections are part of democracy. We have the right to stand by the right thing and against the wrong. The fact that our representatives can speak for us and we can speak against them, is democracy. Democracy is not just about voting, it’s about freedom of expression, and equality.
Anahit Sandhu (15)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

Democracy is a lot more than elections because majority rule is often listed as a characteristic of democracy. In some countries, freedom of speech, freedom of the press and internet are considered important to ensure that voters are well informed, enabling them to vote according to their interests. It strengthens democratic Institutions, assuring transparency and sound management.
Mahak Singh (13)
St Anthony’s Jr College, Agra

Democracy is beyond the ballot box. A vote alone won’t give a person the ability to go out and ask for the change they wish to see. A vote alone won’t give people the ability to shape their future. Hence, we need to look beyond the ballot box.
Mahi Gandhi (12)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

Democracy is not synonymous with elections because elections are only a part of the democratic process. Democracy is about our everyday life, is about creating opinion which would influence the policy makers to make laws for a better society. Voting is a responsibility along with a right; similarly democracy is not just about elections but about ensuring equality and justice to every citizen.
Himshailja Ranawat
Sophia Girls Sr. Sec. School, Bhilwara

Democracy in its true form can only be followed if the representatives elected by the people actually work for the welfare of the citizens of the country. Elections are meant to let people choose well-deserving representatives for serving the nation and bringing it to greater heights.
Senjuti Saibal Bhattacharya (19)
A C Patil College of Engineering, Navi Mumbai

A democratic government ensures the active participation of the people where the citizens get the chance to choose their government. People choose a candidate or party through elections. The election process in a democracy is similar in most ways. Elections, conducted at regular intervals, ensure that anyone can become part of the government without any discrimination on the basis of caste, creed or religion.
Jasleen Saini (13)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

For me, democracy means responsibility, a responsibility which is far beyond just electing leaders. It means to show concern for the nation, to exercise the right of voting, not just “for the sake of elections”, but for being a responsible citizen and for the love of the country.
Khushi (15)
Jeevan Marg Sophia Secondary School, Deoria

Democracy is a form of government that empowers people to fight against injustice and discrimination. Voting is fundamental to democracy which is a powerful instrument that can change our lives. Too often elections are taken as the only exercise of democracy. But beyond elections are principles and institutions; beyond elections are the powers that a democracy provides its citizens. So we need to look beyond the ballot box and understand elections as one part of a much wider and complex reality.
Radhika Jhawar
Sophia Girls Sr. Sec. School, Bhilwara

True democracy depends on active political participation by all the citizens and the elections should be free and fair, where those currently in power have a fair chance of losing.
Samarth Chawla (15)
St Francis De Sales School, Janakpuri, New Delhi

Democracy strives for the development of people. When they make a free choice, they make mistakes and learn from them. Their mistakes turn them into better individuals. No one will vote again for a corrupt government.
Arunima (14)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

Democracy is electing deserving candidates. Well, it is a lot more. In a democratic country, everyone has power. We can choose leaders for ourselves. It is a great opportunity for us, and we should make full use of it. In our race to become a developed nation the track will take many turns and each turn will depend on how judiciously we play our individual roles.
Rishika Meena (11)
St Anthony’s Jr. College, Agra

The makers of our Indian Constitution meant a lot more than elections when they talked of democracy. This fact is clearly visible in the ideals of Liberty, Fraternity, Secularism, Socialism and Sovereignty which safeguard the social and political status of each individual other than giving them equal rights. Elections aren’t vitiating it, but are the most visible mediators of applying this to practical life.
Diya V. Surjuse (15)
Agragami Convent School, Wardha

Democracy is the form of government in which the people choose their legislators. In a secular democracy we are also free to follow our own religion. We enjoy freedom of speech, right to a fair trial, etc. We can stay in any part of the country and can do any business.
Charvi Suriya
Sophia Girls Sr. Sec. School, Bhilwara

Democracy is more than just holding elections. Our voting system worked well for decades but now it is broken. Elections are held for name’s sake. Democracy brings political equality and political participation. But in our country, democracy is not practised as what it truly means.
Maansi Bharti (15)
Notre Dame School, New Delhi

Democracy is supposed to empower citizens at all levels. Sadly, in our democracy, citizens are enfeebled and politicians grow more powerful. Nowadays, in the greed for winning the elections, distributing money and liquor by candidates is common. This results in regressing our democracy to a lower level.
Deepal (15)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

Democracy is synonymous with elections for some, but for others it is much more. Political parties misuse elections by betraying the voters. Too often voting is considered as the only exercise of our civic duty. Beyond elections are democratic values and institutions keeping pace with the cycle of polling.
Diya Thapliyal (15)
Notre Dame School, New Delhi

The Constitution of India provides certain fundamental rights to its citizens. Adult franchise is one of these rights (right to vote). Other fundamental rights are right to equality, right to freedom, right against exploitation, right to property and constitutional remedies. Through elections, we get to choose our own government. A government thus elected should ensure that these fundamental rights are guaranteed to citizens.
Ansheeka Saini (14)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

Democracy is meant to empower and support the citizens. We saw and read on news channels and newspapers about what happened in Haryana and Maharashtra. It was a show of political play and power. It had to be a democratic procedure. The masses just want someone to listen to and solve their problems, not someone who desires to have just power and rule.
Sargun Saini (16)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar