“The ideals, principles and norms of democracy require certain conditions to be implemented”. Explain the statement.
These prerequisites are required in every sphere:—(i) social, (ii) economic and (iii) political.
(1) Social Conditions: The social conditions comprise social equality of status, equality before law and equality of opportunity; educationally and culturally developed citizenry; absence of all kinds of discrimination and equal opportunities to participate in social, cultural and educational processes.
(2) Economic Conditions: Absence of widespread inequalities; fulfilment of minimum material needs for a dignified human existence; justifiable distribution of resources; equal opportunities for gainful employment, equal pay for equal work and protection against exploitation.
(3) Political Conditions: Political conditions include rule of law; equality of citizens and equal opportunities for participation in political affairs; guaranteed and protected rights-particularly freedom of thought, belief and expression. It also include freedom of participation in civil and political processes; government by the people or their representatives, free and fair elections and respect for dissent and opposition.