Democracy

Democracy

1991 1 January 13 Democracy (301) The ninth election to the Indian Parliament was held on November 22, 1989. For a variety of reasons, the ruling Congress Party was not re-elected to power. Although it had won more seats than any other single party, it failed to secure an absolute majority. As such, it was not eligible to form a government on its own strength. Consequently, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had to resign.

There are many aspects of this election, which give us a lesson. One particularly worth mentioning is implicit in the statement made on television by the former Prime Minister, Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, just after the election results had appeared. The following is an excerpt.

The people have given their verdict. In all humility, we respect the verdict. Anew government will be formed. We extend to them our good wishes and offer them our constructive cooperation. Elections are won and lost. But the work of a nation never ends. (The Times of India, November 30, 1990).

This is the attitude, which makes possible the continuance of democracy in a country. Democracy, ideally, is a system, which permits an honourable admission of defeat, for, in the election process, there is generally just one winner, but several losers. If the losers refuse to admit defeat, democracy breaks down as a system of national governance.

This applies not just to elections and Governments, but to the entire gamut of human existence. In this world, there are always those who forge ahead, and there are always the others who are left behind. Given this situation, those who have been left behind should ‘not hesitate to admit defeat. Such admissions freely made are what save society from disintegration. Refusal to acknowledge the facts turns society into a jungle of destructive activity. Society cannot progress without the recognition of true merit.