Democracy Under Threat
Something that has been said many times in political discourse. Is there any substance behind the words or is it just political posturing?
The title of this article may evoke different interpretations depending on the reader. Some strongly believe that specific political parties or ideologies pose an existential danger to democracy itself. Others interpret it more literally, viewing it as a challenge to established democratic electoral processes. Additional perspectives exist as well. However, to truly determine whether democracy is under threat, we need a broader approach and a clear definition. For instance, what if the so-called “democratic” processes in place are not entirely democratic?
The Meaning of Democracy
The term democracy comes from the Greek words demos (people) and kratos (power or rule), translating literally to “power to the people.” At its core, a democracy must preserve this principle by empowering individuals to make decisions. In modern societies, this is typically achieved through elected representatives. Citizens vote for officials who best reflect their views and interests.
This system, however, reveals immediate flaws. Many countries are increasingly adopting polarized two-party systems, with one party leaning left and the other right. But what happens when neither party aligns with an individual’s beliefs or priorities? While options like write-in candidates or smaller fringe parties often exist, there is growing social pressure to support one of the two dominant parties. Phrases such as “Don’t let your vote be a throw-away vote” are frequently used to discourage deviation from the mainstream, limiting genuine choice. A lack of choice makes it hard to have a realistically free election.
Free and Fair Elections
Another main tenant of democracy is free and fair elections. The latter, in particular, implies equal representation for all. Yet, disparities persist. For example, if one district has 10,000 voters and another has 20,000, but both elect a single representative, each vote in the smaller district effectively carries twice the weight of a vote in the larger one. Additionally, practices like gerrymandering — the manipulation of electoral boundaries to favor one party — undermine fairness. In places like the United States, this has been a well-documented issue, with district lines redrawn to secure political advantage. While mechanisms exist to address these inequities, many perceive them as insufficient or biased.
Perhaps the most critical issue is the ability of voters to make informed decisions. This requires unrestricted access to information, including diverse political perspectives. When voices are censored or suppressed—even those some might consider deceptive or divisive — it erodes the democratic process. Critics may argue that harmful rhetoric should be silenced, but the choice to engage with or dismiss such voices must rest with the individual voter. Political censorship, such as the banning of certain candidates or platforms, has occurred in various nations. Equally concerning is social stigmatization, where fear of losing relationships or facing backlash pressures people to conform to prevailing political norms.
We also see some people talking about election cheating. Many people dismiss these claims as conspiracy theories. However if we go back to the main base of what democracy is - power to the people - their opinion is not any more or less important then any one elses. If their perception is that cheating is ocurring that’s still a failing of the democractic system and something that needs to be addressed. It doesn’t matter how far-fetched the claims may be.
A Growing Threat?
These elements have all been getting worse, not better. Perhaps even worse is that as a people it is dividing us further and further. This is something that is transcending national boundaries. A win from the right in the US has helped inspire movements in Europe for example. We see many groups right and left wing parties and personalities supporting similarly aligned parties and personalities in other countries.
Something needs to change to bring the two sides together. Democracy needs to be preserved.
With these foundational elements of democracy — representation, fairness, and freedom of choice — facing significant challenges, it’s reasonable to conclude that democratic systems, particularly in many Western nations, are under strain. As political polarization deepens, these threats are likely to intensify. The need for substantial reform in electoral processes across democratic countries is becoming ever more apparent if the principle of “power to the people” is to be upheld.