By Natalie Shobana Ambrose
theSun, Malaysia (page 12)
February 10th, 2011
theSun, Malaysia (page 12)
February 10th, 2011
As the judges verdict was locked in, the audience chanted “Change your mind” “Change your mind” at the two judges that weren’t convinced. The crowd kept chanting louder until one judge caved in. I didn’t think he would, but he did. I was a little surprised even if it was just a television show.
In real life I wonder if there were a crowd repeatedly shouting, “Change your mind!”, how many would stand their ground and why.
Some would argue that, you never negotiate with a mob, even if they make sense. You can’t talk to a mob without the threat of being mobbed, so best not to negotiate, it only sends the message that the next time, you will change your mind in their favour if they have a demonstration. Water cannons and tear gas might send the right message instead. Such is the ideology on which dictatorships are formed on. The truth is once intoxicated with power, who would ever willingly abdicate?
This made me think about the latest people power movements in Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan and other parts of the world who are wanting a change, wanting a better life for themselves, a better future for their children.
Of course the chants on Tahrir Square aren’t for a change of mind, but a change of leadership. As the rest of the world keeps watch, experts comment, professors expound analysis and the History channel airs a biography of
Hosni Mubarak that perhaps two months ago wouldn’t have even been considered kosher, the automatic response is an instant election remedy.
After all, that’s what we think that part of the world wants and needs. Elections are a start, but is it enough?
Does a one-time democratic vote equal a democratic political system?
It’s easy to believe it does. It sure would be easier if democracy was magically established by the ballot box alone. But the reality is it isn’t.
Look at how the world seems to have accepted Myanmar’s 2010 elections illusion because the Aung San Suu Kyi has been released from house arrest conveniently after the election. Can we claim then that because an election was held in Myanmar, therefore it is democratic? Her release for our silence was the strategy and it seems to have worked. Though it only reiterates that true democratic freedoms require hard work, vigilance and a fighting spirit.
In our euphoria of Suu Kyi’s release, we have forgotten the people of Myanmar who have been begging for change. Somehow we allowed ourselves to be confused and now, another part of the world demands our attention.
Democratic tenets include freedom of speech, free and fair elections, the right to have and discuss opposing views, press freedom and among others the right to vote out political leaders. Yet in many democracies, this is lacking.
Regardless of who wins elections, as a people we cannot be swayed by rhetoric and promises. Instead we should be informed, concerned and be active citizens. We should want to know what pledges have been kept by our representatives, who benefits from the elections and when it floods again and there are no by-elections, will something substantial be done for your wellbeing when there isn’t a TV crew or journalist hovering.
Sometimes though, democracy gets hijacked, when there is a power shift towards the unelected. We need to be careful of those that guise themselves under the cloak of democracy be it ruling or opposing.
The cost of democracy is high. Institutions need to be built, attitudes need to be changed, policies need to be implemented and people need to be vigilant. The reality is, this takes years, demands persistence, costs money and takes a toll of the people. But then who can put a price on freedom?
Voting is a powerful tool but it needs to be coupled with change, it needs to be coupled with action and it needs to be coupled with the tenets of democracy and most of all, the process needs to be respected.
Winning doesn’t equate success, doing the job promised and doing it well equates success.
For these new wave of countries seeking change, there are so many forces that will threaten a country’s transition to democracy. As the people are fatigued chanting for democracy, voting for change doesn’t guarantee change.
Natalie believes in true freedom for everyone and admires the tenacity of the people who fight for democracy and a better tomorrow.
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