Are you at
your wit’s end when observing the contemporary geopolitical situation while
contemplating how people at power are able to willingly ruin democracy? Here is
the ultimate plan for disaster and a nightmarish reality:
1. Have a political dynasty
Before diving into the required conduct of
actors to squash democracy, certain preconditions need to be met. The parties
in the political arena need to be based on dynastic leadership in which
succession is a rare occurrence. This ensures sluggish policy change and vested
interests which are firmly and resolutely defended if necessary. Historical
grievances, patronage and feudal ties are the cornerstones of politics, opposed
to a political agenda that addresses societal and economical challenges. This
lack of internal democracy ensures that critics do not receive a platform to
express their ideas while the constituencies have little influence. Thus, if political participation is meagre, the first sign of an eroding democracy is visible.
2. Hold elections without really voting
Having established the preconditions, we
can continue with the actual behaviour of the different actors. Right before
the elections, opposition parties should publicly announce its boycott of the
elections and deploy violence in order to prevent people from voting. The
opposition boycott will lead to a historically low voter turnout and uncontested
parliamentary seats which, in turn, can be assigned to the government party. As
no parliamentary opposition exists, the government can rule the country as it
sees fit. Laws that lack scrutiny and democratic accountability are approved in
parliament leaving the door wide open for political tyranny.
3. Deploy paramilitary forces
The government should set up an elite paramilitary
force to combat terrorism while the critics should raise their concerns for the
need of such unit without even considering reforming the law enforcement and
judiciary. Over the years this paramilitary unit should become infamous for
killing people in self-defence, cross-fire or in custody. The unit should continue to carry out extra-judicial killings, arbitrary arrests and
torture while enjoying impunity. The government should not make any attempt to
hold the unit accountable, especially when there are allegations that ruling
party members are using the unit as a death squad. Make sure that the unit continues to operate
with impunity even if their actions lead to systematic human rights violations
and abuse.
4. Create a culture of fear and impunity
Those who have read the novel 1984 by
George Orwell remember the vivid fear of the protagonist for being under possible
surveillance by the Party or run the risk of being overheard by the Thought
Police. Indeed, a social order can be best controlled by fear. The ‘other’
should be afraid at all times. Without leaving explicit evidence, leaders of
the opposition parties should suddenly disappear. And if this is too subtle,
launch a vicious crackdown on the opposition. Be
sure not to act in accordance with any international human rights
standards or domestic law. Make sure the perpetrators are not brought to
justice. Democracy can only be destroyed when lawlessness is the order of the
day.
5. Use violence to hold onto power
The opposition must organise strikes,
traffic blockades and demonstrations in order to create overall disorder. Of
course, these measures have to take a violent turn at a certain point in order
to cause a significant disruptive effect and nationwide chaos. Thus, attack
those who refuse to honour the blockades and throw petrol bombs at any vehicle
that ignores the obstructions. The government should strike back at violence
with more violence by allowing excessive force to be used against political protesters
while their actions continue to cause civilian casualties and the ongoing
clashes leads to major economic loss. Both parties should not take
responsibility for the people who are injured or killed due to escalating political
violence.
6. Attack vulnerable minorities
A functioning democracy is the ultimate
system in which the basic and inalienable rights of minorities are guaranteed.
For a democracy to slowly crumble away, single out the religious and ethnic
minorities. Unlawfully destroy their houses, shops and places of worship and use violence as a means of deterrence if you suspect them of having voted for the
other party or not boycotting the elections like your party had called for. You
will not be held accountable as a culture of impunity is the ultimate source
for oppression and the slow decay of democracy.
7. Shrink space for civil society
In order to have a
functioning democracy, you need to have a functioning civil society. A strong
civil society can challenge the power of government and hold the government
accountable when they fail to meet their obligations to the public. To deteriorate
democracy, you need to push the civil society to the margins of democratic processes. Like some governments, start from
shrinking space for civil society. Use creative legal manoeuvres to weaken
their role in speaking out against social injustices and establishing political dialogue.
Pass laws that are vague and broad enough to increase limitations on freedoms of
expression, peaceful assembly and association. Use these laws to stifle dissent and harass
critics of the government.
Do these 7 steps remind you of a terrifying
storyline based on a dystopia happening in far future?
It is actually the present of various countries around the world, in particular
the present of Bangladesh where political stalemate have cost the lives
of hundreds of people and led to systematic abuse of human rights. The current situation goes further than ruining democracy, it ruins a society that gasps for its breath.
