The journey we have begun: How democracy could bear fruit for all?

Abstract

This article delves into the fundamental questions of whether democracy, when left unchecked, can provide the best form of governance and whether a minority can exploit it to suppress the rights and freedoms of others. By examining these questions in detail, the article offers insights into refining democratic systems of governance, which prioritize the wide participation of the populace instead of allowing a select few to dictate the nation's affairs. Drawing from practical examples involving racial and ethnic diversity, such as the United States, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Ethiopia, the paper argues that democracy can be co-opted by a particular race or ethnicity to advance its interests, often at the expense of marginalized groups. Addressing this issue practically is more feasible than resolving it theoretically, as theoretical approaches tend to overlook the complexities of race and ethnicity in democratic systems.