Understanding Democracy: From Ancient Athens to Nepal's Upcoming Elections

• Concept of Democracy

Democracy is a compound word formed from two independent terms, 'Lok' (people) and 'Tantra' (system of governance). 'Lok' means people or subjects, while 'Tantra' means a system or arrangement of rule. In English, democracy is called Democracy, derived from the Greek words 'Demos' and 'Kratos,' meaning people and rule, respectively.

Therefore, based on word etymology, democracy is a system of governance where the people are supreme. In this system, governing power rests in the hands of the people, who exercise it either directly or through their elected representatives.

Direct democracy is believed to have originated in the city of Athens, ancient Greece, around 508-507 BCE. The Athenian leader Cleisthenes formed the citizens' assembly, the Ecclesia. Citizens participating in this assembly made decisions regarding lawmaking, war/peace, and taxation/treasury matters. Furthermore, the Boule was formed to carry out executive functions. The Boule was an executive council comprising 500 citizen representatives, which was responsible for planning, drafting laws, and submitting proposals to the Ecclesia.

According to the renowned British political thinker Harold J. Laski, 'Democracy is that system of government in which the people exercise the right to rule either directly or through representatives whom they elect from time to time.'

Similarly, according to sociologist and political thinker R. M. MacIver, 'Democracy is that system of government in which the will of the people is sovereign.' Thus, democracy is a system of governance run by the people, for the people, and of the people, where sovereignty is vested in the people.

• Characteristics of Democracy

Democratic values and norms strengthen the foundation of democracy and guide its correct practice. Such values and norms include the rule of law, an independent and competent judiciary, a government accountable to the people, separation of powers, checks and balances, public participation, social justice, decentralization, equality, freedom, and respect for diversity.

Furthermore, a representative legislature, a healthy competitive political system, guarantee of fundamental rights and human rights, universal adult suffrage, periodic elections, press freedom, the role of a responsible opposition, provision of constitutional bodies, and assurance of good governance are the fundamental characteristics of democracy.

• History of Periodic Elections

Periodic elections are the foundation of democracy, through which the people select their representatives. Through elections, citizens attempt to elect political parties and candidates they favor and trust to the policy-making level by casting their votes.

The practice of elections is first found in ancient Athens, where elections were held to choose Popes and Roman Emperors. In the modern world, the development of the electoral system in European and North American states is considered to have begun towards the end of the 17th century. At that time, the right to vote in elections was limited to only a select class.

However, following the American War of Independence and the French Revolution in the 18th century, which declared all individuals equal, citizens gained political rights. Thus, the development of a competitive electoral system globally, including in Europe and America, is observed in the 19th and 20th centuries.

However, the history of formal elections in Nepal is considered to be about seven and a half decades old. The first local body election was organized for the first time in the urban areas of Kathmandu on Jestha 29, B.S. 004. Women did not have the right to vote in that election. After the Rana regime ended in B.S. 007, women got the opportunity to vote for the first time in the Kathmandu Metropolitan City election held on Bhadra 17, B.S. 010.

The first general election in Nepal based on universal adult suffrage was held on Falgun 7, B.S. 015. Nepal's constitution institutionalizes the provision that sovereignty and political power are vested in the Nepali people. It declares Nepal a Federal Democratic Republic and maintains a competitive multi-party democratic system of governance.

So far, the House of Representatives in Nepal has been formed through six elections held in B.S. 016, 048, 051, 056, 074, and 079. Additionally, elections for the Constituent Assembly were held in B.S. 064 and 070.

• Upcoming Elections: Challenges and Opportunities

Due to the recent 'Janjati' movement and the resulting dissolution of parliament, a general election for the House of Representatives is scheduled to be held on Falgun 21. The reason for the widespread interest in this election is the recent 'Janjati' movement. Older parties are compelled to protect their legacy, while new parties aim to win the people's votes and send a message that the people desire transformation.

Therefore, this election will be a competition between new and old political forces. This election is also special for institutionalizing the change felt by the 'Janjati' movement that occurred on Bhadra 23 and 24.

According to the Election Commission's data, there will be a total of 18.9 million eligible voters in the election scheduled for Falgun 21. Nine hundred fifteen thousand new voters have been added in the latest voter registration process disclosed by the Election Commission, most of whom are 'Janjati' youth.

In this election, new forces appear set to receive overwhelming support from the people, but the acid test remains whether social media popularity translates into votes on the ballot paper. The 'Janjati' movement has also brought significant change to the older parties, the results of which are visible even in the distribution of election tickets.

New and energetic candidates emerging even within the older parties are expected to widely discuss policy changes in parliament this time, focusing on issues like education, employment, technology, good governance, and corruption control. As the interest of the general public, who have never been interested in politics, is also increasing in this election, it appears that the election will play an important role in enhancing political awareness.

However, even during the silence period, incidents of violation of the election code of conduct are surfacing. Such incidents have raised questions about the impartiality and credibility of the election. Therefore, it is necessary to strictly enforce the code of conduct to ensure the election is conducted in a completely peaceful, impartial, and dignified manner.

Monitoring of misleading information is essential as deceptive and provocative photos and videos are being circulated using AI tools. There is also a need for strict monitoring of potentially violent incidents that may arise from the growing electoral competition between new and old political parties.

The upcoming election is a significant turning point in Nepal's democratic journey. Democracy is the best system for the people to choose their representatives. Elections are the soul of the system. Therefore, it is the significant responsibility of the government, security agencies, the Election Commission, political parties, candidates, the community, and the media to ensure that the Falgun 21 election is conducted peacefully, fearlessly, and impartially.