DEMOCRACY as a system of government is generally regarded by many as the most preferred way of running the affairs of state, its many shortcomings notwithstanding.
Properly adhered to, it seeks to establish and anchor government on the pedestal of the rule of law.
This implies that the process of governance is governed by the law and that the law is superior to any other thing and, therefore, the actions and inaction of the government must be carried out in conformity with the law.
It follows from this that equality of all people, particularly the citizens of the State, before the law constitutes one of the cardinal principles of any democratic system.
Since January 7, 1993 when the Fourth Republic commenced, we have, closer to two decades now, been trying to work our way through the democratic system with mixed but, nevertheless, commendable results.
While we certainly cannot say we have come of age and can behave or function as a mature democracy, we surely can pat ourselves on the back for the modest gains we have chalked up over these years.
It is against this backdrop that we believe we, as a people, must do all we can to ensure that our democracy continues to be anchored on respect for the rule of law and that it grows further and beyond, instead of being an instrument of control and domination in the hands of individuals or some select groups.
It must grow more to be driven, directed and firmly based on the interests and aspirations of our people and also accountable to the masses.
That is why we would not hesitate to advocate the need for all our political parties, especially the dominant ones (the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the biggest opposition party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to work more towards achieving and strengthening internal democracy and the rules and regulations they have crafted to govern and regulate the behaviour and conduct of their members.
It is gratifying to note that both the NDC and the NPP have reiterated their confidence in the democratic process by, among others, moving to ensure their members’ respect for the rules and regulations embodied in their respective constitutions.
While the NDC has made clear its determination to ensure the full compliance of all its members with the party’s laws, the NPP has indicated its conformity with its laws by announcing that the five persons vying for its flag-bearer position have been cleared to contest the position (see front page).
One of the most serious challenges to the bid to widen and deepen the frontiers of democracy, especially internal democracy, is the creation and sustenance of personality and group cults and their elevation to a status well above the constitutions of their respective parties.
Clearly, the existence of this state of affairs compromises or undermines the growth and development of internal democracy, as such individuals and groups could run roughshod over others or flout the rules and regulations of their respective parties and get away with it.
When lesser members of the same fraternity indulge in similar acts of transgressions or even lesser offences, the wrath of the party is made to descend heavily on them almost immediately.
The pockets of confusion within the two dominant parties bear eloquent testimony to this.
We find it reassuring that the parties are giving an undertaking of their determination to put their feet down and ensure that the laws, rules and regulations that bind all their members together are rigorously enforced without fear or favour, malice or ill will.
We wish all our parties well in this noble endeavour because we believe that this is the way forward towards the entrenchment of our democracy and the consolidation of peace and socio-economic development which guarantee better lives for our people.
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