(a) Define democracy.
(b) What conditions are necessary for its successful operation? ?.
Explanation
(a) Democracy is seen as a system where power of governance is with the people, though exercised by some individuals elected by the electorate through popular and periodic elections.
b) Conditions necessary for its successful operations
(i) Tolerance: People should be ready to accommodate one another’s views and actions, despite their political differences.
(ii) Rule of Law: Rule of law must be obeyed and respected by every body in the political system.
(iii) Opposition: Opposition groups in the society should be tolerated by the government.
(iv) Independent Electoral Commission: This body should be independent to safeguard and promote its activities judiciously without fear or favour.
(v) Popular participation: To create an avenue for popular participation , the electorate should be adequately educated and well informed too.
(vi) Free and fair election: For a successful operation of democracy, the elections must be free and fair.
(vii) Choice: Enthronement of leaders into positions in government must be based on choice. The people should be able to elect honest and acceptable leaders.
(viii) Democratic principles: The people should be ready to demonstrate their desire to accommodate democratic principles.
(ix) Activities of the government: The activities of the government should be open
(x) Independent judiciary: This body should be independent of the executive and legislative arms of government. Judiciary should be ready to entertain cases impartially.