Representative democracy is the system of government where citizens elect a representative to represent them. It is a form in indirect democracy where the role of citizen is limited to that of selecting their representative. The elected representative communicates the views of his constituents and secures their interests.
The main features of representative democracy are,
Government by consent:
In a representative democracy, government is the expression of the will of people. By discussion and debate people exchange ideas and take decisions. Such exchange can be witnessed broadly at two levels.
- Between the elected representatives: In order to decide upon any issue the legislative member’s debate and discuss their view points.
- Between the elected representatives and voter: Direct discussion between the voter and their leaders enable them to understand the needs and demands of the electorate.
Media, as well as civil society provide forums for discussion and to debate crucial view points.
Fair and Transparent elections:
Since the citizens exercise their power to self rule through an elected representative periodic, free, fair and transparent elections are a sine quinoa for realization of representative democracy.
Majority rule:
Numerous methods such as First Past Post System, Single Transferable voting, Proportional representation etc are used to determine the victorious candidate. Once the candidate is declared elected, he not only represents the people who voted for him but the entire constituency.
Political Equality:
Political equality is guaranteed by “one person, one vote”. Irrespective of the individual everyone’s vote has equal value. No individual has to be provided with special weight age or privilege nor should the voice of the underprivileged weaker sections be ignored. No discrimination is allowed on the basis of property, race, religion, caste, sex, gender, or even education. Any restriction on suffrage should be based on sound reason, such as where the exercise of ballot cannot be done in a rational manner eg: convicted criminals, mental illness, legal age limit etc.
In order to elect their representatives citizens should be guaranteed voting rights. Most democratic countries guarantee Universal Adult franchise above a prescribed age limit. There should also not be arbitrary and discriminatory rules on who can contest elections. If the office is not equally accessible to all citizens it would lead to distortion of democracy. Political competition and choice are prerequisites to the electorate to elect a candidate who best represents their vision.
Rule of law and independent judiciary:
Representative democracy is based upon the rule of law, not rule of men. Legal equality and universality imply that all citizens are equal in the eyes of law. Rule of law also guarantees that unfair pressure is not existed on the voters. The use of money power and muscle power can be highly detrimental to representative democracy.
An independent judiciary is necessary to adjudicate upon election disputes. Only if it is perceived as independent and fair will the people abide and accept its decision.
Political accountability:
In a representative democracy, the elected representatives should remain answerable to the electorate. Elections force the representatives to renew their mandate periodically and provide the electorate the power to select on individuals who best represents their interests. Some nations provide instruments such as Right to Recall, to hold the representatives accountable. Also, citizens express their displeasure through protests and petitions to pressurize the political representatives.
Representative democracy, despite its numerous loopholes has worked well and become one of the most preferred modes of government. Increasing functionalities of governance have made direct democracy difficult (if not impossible) compelled the need to have elected representatives to pay continuous attention to the governance needs.
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