Democracy A Marathon, Not a Sprint

Thedailycourierng

Democracy: Explore the enduring journey of democracy in this insightful opinion piece. Discover why democracy is likened to a marathon, not a sprint, as it navigates challenges, engages citizens, and evolves over time.”

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Democracy

Democracy the term finds its roots in the ancient Greek words “Demos” and “Kratos,” where “Demos” represents the people or audience, and “Kratos” signifies government. It’s a concept deeply embedded in the Latin phrase “Vox Populi, Vox Dei,” translating to “the voice of the people is the voice of God.” Harris Soche eloquently defined democracy as a form of people’s government, highlighting its inclusivity and the active role each individual plays in its preservation and enhancement.

Democracy, however, is no quick fix; it’s a journey laden with challenges and hurdles that must be cleared before its benefits are realized. It doesn’t guarantee a smooth ride, but it assures us of a safe landing.

As a sports enthusiast, I find parallels between democracy and long-distance running, particularly the marathon. The marathon is a test of strategy, endurance, and resilience – qualities equally essential for the success of any democracy.

Consider the world’s top marathoners, with over 90% hailing from Kenya and Ethiopia. What sets them apart in long-distance races are their early start in training, often commencing as early as three years old, their high-altitude Rift Valley training that builds stamina and resilience at 6000 feet above sea level, and their diet, rich in carbohydrates, low in fat, and protein-rich – particularly dishes like Ugali. These insights offer valuable lessons for democracy. It doesn’t thrive autonomously; it relies on the efforts of its participants – the leaders, the citizens, the government, and the governed – all of us.

Democracy, at every level, requires active engagement and revitalization.

People must grasp that the power of government rests with the governed, as famously expressed by Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”

Yet, regrettably, apathy and passivity have crept into our society, eroding our governance systems. Citizens no longer question; they react rather than act. Democracy calls for proactive engagement, not rebelliousness. It thrives when the due process and rule of law are upheld, especially recognizing that the ballot box is the sole gateway to government office.

Edmund Burke’s words resonate: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Inaction renders you inconsequential.

As I observe some African nations regress from democracy to autocracy and authoritarianism through coups and subjugation, it pains me, for democracy isn’t the culprit; it’s the actors within. We all hold roles in this democratic narrative.

To quote the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, “The only thing better than democracy for Nigeria is more democracy.” Rome wasn’t built in a day, and democracy is no different. Challenges are part of its journey, yet it remains the best option.

Democracy is an ongoing learning process. It’s about falling, rising, falling again, and resurging stronger each time. Its progress may not be exponential; often, it’s incremental.

Democracy isn’t a spectator sport; it’s participatory. Without our active involvement, it loses its essence, as Michael Moore rightly emphasizes.

In Conclusion,

Democracy is like a marathon. It demands endurance, strategy, and unwavering participation. As we navigate its ups and downs, let’s remember: it’s not a sprint but a marathon, and every step counts towards a stronger, more resilient democracy from thedailycourierng

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