Negative aspects of democracy

Now that Indonesia is to have a new political system, which will probably be more democratic than the old one, it is worth keeping in mind some general weaknesses of democratic political systems.

First, the people may choose leaders who are unwise, dishonest and incompetent. To prevent this, electors should be as aware and as well-informed as possible. It is essential to have proper checks and balances between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. It must be possible to hold leaders to account and judge their record in power against their preelection pledges. An effective opposition and skeptical media are invaluable, and so is a capable civil service loyal to the people.

Second, democracy may easily become coercion of the minority by the majority. Effective guarantees of minority rights are indispensable. Political parties should not be divided on tribal, racial or religious lines, since the result is that the largest tribe is guaranteed a permanent hold on power. A converse problem is that certain privileged minorities may wield too much influence, either by being able to swing the election or by holding the balance of power in the legislature. To prevent this, the party system should not be unduly fragmented, Also, some issues may be better decided by referendum than within normal party politics.

Third, the government may be too weak to confront outside forces. Corruption, and even intimidation, work at an individual level, so strict and constant vigilance is imperative. At a collective level, policies contrary to popular will may be dictated by economic agents, the military, religious organizations or foreign powers. A government needs well-defined and well-understood goals, so that it can decide rationally when to succumb to such pressures and when to resist.

Fourth, the government may also be too forceful and use its democratic legitimacy to impose decisions that should be left to regional and local authorities, traditional leaders or religious and civic organizations. By doing this, the government will disempower the people when its goal should be to empower them. A democratic government should limit its activities to matters which can only be decided at a national level and leave space for local and non-governmental organizations to flourish. In this way the people will have a say in running their own lives not only at election times but everyday.

I hope these factors will be taken into account as Indonesia prepares a political system for brighter future.

JOHN HARGREAVES

Jakarta