Which democratic institutions need to be established for transformation from a non-democratic system to a democratic system?

Democracy is a form of government in which citizens of a certain nation select their own representatives for making decisions that affect society as a whole. It is characterized by legal equality, political freedom and the rule of law. It has four key elements –

• Free and fair elections enable the existence of a liberal and independent political system.

• Active participation of citizens in political and civil lives.

• Protection of human rights.

• Judicial equality for all citizens.

A non-democratic system refers to a monarchical or imperial regime. Dictatorship also falls under this system. It robs the population under its control of basic citizenship rights as the population are mere subjects under such rule and not citizens. Apart, from the basic difference in ideals between democratic and non-democratic systems, there are several institutions which play a key role. These institutions are necessary to uphold the ideals of democracy and make the democratic nation functions as a whole. The institutions that aid in the creation of a successful democracy includes, the Parliament and the legislatures, The Supreme Court and the high courts of a country and the political parties. The Parliament and the legislatures are for the elected representatives who have been elected by the general populace of their own free will. They ensure that the common people have a voice in the development of the country through various legislatures and acts. The Judiciary, represented by the Supreme Court and high courts of a country ensure that justice is equal for all citizens in a country. They uphold the rule of law and is one of the basic institutions that transform a non-democratic system into a democratic system. Political parties represent the common people at the central and state level. The represent diverse ideological principles and allows people a choice while voting. They can support or contradict a ruling party’s motions thereby providing a real competition making democracy successful.

Beyond the three mentioned political institutions, there are numerous social institutions that can transform a non-democratic system to a democratic one. Institutions like a free press, public education etc are social institutions that allow a smooth working of any democracy.