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Power Dynamics

and Sustainable Democracy

Andrew Ellis*

Abstract

The search for sustainable democracy provokes the need for a
definition. It is possible to propose a universal definition of democracy
based on principles and values. The frameworks, institutions and
processes of democracy will however only be democratic and
sustainable if they are developed within a country, a society or a
community and are not imposed or imported from outside. They will
vary with political culture and will also change over time as society
itself changes.

The two basic principles of democracy are popular control – the
recognition of the rights of citizens to control the process of decision
making and the decision makers who act on their behalf - and political
equality – the recognition that all citizens are considered as equal in
exercising that control. In assessing democracy and democratic reform,
the two principles are realised through mediating values: participation,
authorisation, representation, accountability, transparency, responsiveness,
and solidarity.

Each of these values will be realised to a greater or lesser
extent by the institutional framework, different aspects of the design
and operation of which may facilitate or hinder the democratic
principles. Participation is reflected in the definition and exercise of
civil and political rights and of economic, social and cultural rights, in
the framework of elections, political parties and movements, and civil
society organisations, and through civic education. Authorisation is
reflected through electoral processes – elections and referendums –
and through the subordination of executive officials to elected
representatives. Representation is reflected through electoral systems
and party systems and is demonstrated by the empowerment of
women and of marginalised communities. Accountability is based on

* Former Director for Asia and the Pacific, the International Institute for
Democracy and Electoral Assistance