DEMOCRACY ON THE BALANCE

Democracy works with strong effective institutions and laws. Without strong institutions and affective laws, the lead only promote their own whims and caprices.

Very important for democratic governance are the institutions such as the three arms of government; executive, legislature and judiciary, independent strong and unbiased media including currently social media, independent electoral commission and political parties. We also need strong security agencies, the police and other armed forces to keep the peace.

Additionally strong civil society organizations such as nongovernmental organizations, tin tanks, pressure groups and even individuals like you and I, must work to put governmental institutions on their toes. We must be objective with our analysis and work to promote the national interest ahead of group and individual interests.

What must be at the back of our minds is that; strong governmental institutions and strong civil society organizations make strong democracy. Thus, for governmental institutions to work effectively, we need constructive criticism of their work. When we talk about criticism, it does not mean condemning everything done by a person or an institution. Constructive criticism is evaluative; analyzing the work done, appreciating what is done well and pointing out what needs to be improved or amended. We must give credit where credit is due.

Let's not try to throw the baby away with the bath water; by writing off everything done by our institutions and officials. As we go into this election, we must allow the institutions to work. If you have any reservation about any of their actions, let's bring it to their attention without personal attacks. You can also apply to the law for redress, if you think it can help make their work effective. Let's be careful about lies and name calling, these are vices against democratic governance.

We all need to work together for the smooth running of our country. In this election whoever wins needs all the institutions, both governmental and nongovernmental to work effectively. Let all come together to build strong institutions which will work for us. There is more to come #IStandForGhana I stand for effective strong institutions. #IStandForNationalInterest

Moses A. Katamani 
Copyright@November, , 2016