Islam's Response to Contemporary Issues — Page 224
224 islam’s response to contemporary issues Not all the waters of rough rude seas can wash the balm of an anointed King. 5 Defining Democracy The concept of democracy, despite its Greek origins, is based on Abraham Lincoln’s brief definition of government of the people, by the people, for the people. It is a very interesting cliché indeed but seldom applied in totality anywhere in the world. The third part of this definition for the people is very vague and rife with dangers. What can be declared to be for the people with full confidence? In a system of majority rule, it can very often happen that what is considered to be for the people is merely for the majority and not for the remaining minority. In a democratic system, it is also possible for vital decisions to be taken solely on the basis of absolute majority. Yet, when you further dissect and analyse the facts and figures, you discover that it was in reality a minority decision, democratically passed, and imposed on the majority. One of the numerous possibilities is that the ruling party is voted into power on a first past the post basis having obtained a minor majority in most constituencies. Again, if the turnout on polling day is rather low, it becomes dubious if the ruling party does in fact enjoy the support of the majority. Even if the party emerges with an overall majority of the electorate, many things may happen during the term of its tenure. Public opinion may change drastically so that the sitting government is no longer a true representative of the majority. After all, a gradual process of change of heart by the electorate manifests itself at each change of government.