Democracy - Is the UK Democratic?

‘Democracy‘originated from two Greek words ‘Demos‘ and ‘Cratia‘. ‘Demos’ means people and ‘Cratia’ means power. Thus, democracy means a form of government in which the power is exercised by the people. Abraham Lincoln - “Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people”. Seeley - “Democracy is a government in which everyone has a share”.

The following conditions are necessary for Successful Democracy:-

• Belief in Democratic Principles - Citizens should have faith in democratic principles. They should have respect for other views and should perform their duties properly.
• Economic Equality - Democracy functions smoothly in countries without extremes of wealth and property. Countries which have large numbers of poor with a few who have plenty cannot  run successfully.
• Education - Only educated citizens can understand their rights and duties and can exercise them properly. Uneducated citizens cannot even vote effectively.
• Moral Standards - Citizens are honest, impartial and selfless. They should not be susceptible to undue electoral pressure
  
• Good Leaders - Democratic success depends greatly on the quality of leaders. People of sound judgement, balanced mind, honest and of unimpeachable character.
• Equal Rights - All citizens have equal social and political rights, equality before the law, the right to vote and to fight elections.
• Party System - Political parties are organized on definite economic, social and political principles, not on the basis of religion or caste.
• Free and Honest Press - People should have access to free and unbiased information regarding domestic and foreign affairs.
• Independent Judiciary - The rights and liberties of the citizens cannot be safeguarded if the Judiciary is not free.
• Local-Self Government - Local institutions should be established at all levels. Local institutions are a training ground for democracy.
• Strong Opposition - Organized opposition checks the government from becoming dictatorial.
• Peace and Security - Perpetual danger of war or revolt means democracy cannot work.

Sadly, I do not believe that the United Kingdom, under the present Government & the present Prime Minister, meets all of these criteria.