ABRAHAM Lincoln’s famous words, ‘Democracy is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people,’ encapsulate its core principles. Democracy is essential for advancing human rights, fostering peace, and ensuring individual security. It stresses the importance of the rule of law, promoting international peace, security and economic and social development while safeguarding human rights.
Democracy supports good governance by overseeing elections, strengthening civil society, and holding institutions accountable. It ensures self-determination in post-colonial nations and helps draft constitutions in post-conflict countries. Yet, democracy often faces challenges from internal and external forces. Political polarisation disrupts effective governance, while corruption corrodes institutions and shatters public trust. Economic instability, including recessions and high unemployment, fuels dissatisfaction. Declining rule of law and populist leaders challenging democratic norms can lead to authoritarianism. External threats, such as foreign interference, misinformation and propaganda, further destabilise democratic systems.
Addressing democratic decline requires tackling its root causes and building resilient institutions. Key measures include reforming electoral processes, ensuring transparency in public procurement and financial management systems and encouraging civic participation. Press freedom and combating misinformation are vital for a healthy democracy. Judicial independence, support for multiple political parties, and reducing inequality are equally critical.
Civic education is instrumental in promoting democratic values. Programmes like ‘We the People’ in the United States, established in 1987, emphasise critical thinking and active learning. They teach constitutional principles, government functions, citizens’ rights, and contemporary constitutional issues. Social media also plays a significant role in modern democracy. It facilitates political engagement by enabling discussions, organising protests, and mobilising voters. The Arab Spring demonstrated how social media can coordinate protests and spread information. However, it also spreads misinformation and enables cyber interference in elections.
Restoring democracy demands a comprehensive approach integrating law, civic engagement, and institutional reform. Independent judiciary, electoral commissions, and media organisations must be strengthened to uphold the rule of law. Transparency in public financial management and citizen access to government information are crucial. Economic stability requires policies fostering growth, reducing unemployment, and addressing inequality. Civic education initiatives that encourage voting, public discussions, and community organising strengthen democratic participation.
To combat misinformation effectively, we must prioritise policies that advance media literacy, bolster independent journalism and use social media platforms to prevent the spread of false information. Ensuring journalists and media organisations can work without fear of retaliation is equally crucial, as their freedom is the cornerstone of an informed and empowered citizenry. International cooperation is also critical. Organisations like the United Nations can provide technical assistance, monitor elections, and guide democratic governance. Coordinated efforts can counter global challenges such as foreign interference and misinformation, reinforcing democratic institutions worldwide.
The Sustainable Development Goals and democracy are closely linked. SDG-16 promotes peaceful, inclusive societies, access to justice, and effective institutions at all levels. It condemns corruption, exploitation, and discrimination, emphasising freedom, equality, and justice. This goal is a commitment to upholding the rule of law while ensuring equal access to justice for all. It envisions a world free from violence, exploitation, and trafficking, addressing these pervasive issues through legal frameworks and actionable reforms. By targeting illicit financial transactions, arms trafficking, and institutional misconduct, it promotes the need for accountability and transparency. This framework provides guidance for policymakers, activists, and scholars working to restore and sustain democracy globally.
Rebuilding and fortifying democratic systems demand cooperation from all sectors of society, including governments, civil organisations, media, and international partners. Addressing the root causes of democratic decline, implementing targeted reforms, and fostering a culture of transparency and public engagement are essential steps in this process. By committing to these actions, democracy can remain a system of governance that reflects the will and needs of the people.
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Md Atikur Rahman is aÌýresearcher and columnist.