The notion of democracy in Sudan has been misconstrued, leading to chronic political failures. According to a recent article by Osama Mirghani, democracy is not a product that can be obtained from the shelves of a Western supermarket. Rather, it is a description of goals and objectives achieved through a systematic and institutionalized behavior. In Sudan, the term "democracy" has been used loosely, often referring to a system that is committed to slogans or facades that are detached from reality and life.
The author argues that democracy is not a process, nor a set of procedures, nor a package of values that one must believe in. It is not a slogan to chant, nor a characteristic that a state or party can claim. Instead, democracy is a set of standards that forces official policies to be consistent with the choices of the people. This understanding of democracy is crucial in the Sudanese context, where the concept has been misunderstood, leading to repeated failures in the country's political history.
The article highlights that Sudan has had several electoral experiences, including in 1953, 1958, 1965, 1968, and 1986. While these elections were considered fair and free, their impact on the country's governance and development was minimal. The author questions the effectiveness of these elections in achieving a democratic system that serves the interests of the nation and its citizens. The article argues that the focus on electoral procedures alone is insufficient to achieve true democracy.
The author provides a concise definition of Sudanese democracy: "Democracy is the set of standards that forces official policies to be consistent with the choices of the people." This definition emphasizes the importance of aligning policies with the will of the people. The article identifies key words that express democracy, including standards, coercion, policies, consistency, and popular choices. These words provide a framework for determining the tools, procedures, and strategies for building a modern Sudanese state.
The article explains that the standards for democracy are based on a national vision, a set of concepts, and conditions expressed in laws, regulations, and documents. These standards regulate the movement of the state and its vision for the future, as well as its plans and programs. The author emphasizes that these standards are not just quantitative but also qualitative, examining the meaning that links goals to means.
The article discusses the importance of governance, the rule of law, and institutionalization in ensuring that decisions and policies are consistent with the state's objectives. The author highlights that democracy is not a static concept but rather a dynamic process that can be shaped according to time and place. The article argues that democracy can be developed and improved over time through the accumulation of experience.
The article concludes that building a democratic system in Sudan requires establishing a strong foundation, including channels of communication, and mechanisms for self-criticism and review. The author emphasizes that democracy is not just about measuring public opinion but also about influencing the state's policies and their impact on citizens. The article provides a nuanced understanding of democracy in Sudan, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach to achieving true democratic governance.
Key points
- A correct understanding of democracy is essential for achieving true democratic governance in Sudan.
- Democracy in Sudan requires aligning policies with the will of the people.
- Building a democratic system in Sudan needs a strong foundation, including channels of communication and mechanisms for self-criticism and review.
