Human Rights Cartoon (14): Elections and Rule of Law

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Holding democratic elections in a war-torn, unstable, divided county, without entrenched and effective institutions such as the rule of law, is not a good idea. Democracy is extremely important, and just “dropping it from a plane” in hostile circumstances can only discredit democracy in the eyes of the people. Promoting democracy worldwide, which is a good thing, is more than imposing elections. First we should help people to stabilize their countries, to foster security, to build institutions such as the judiciary and the police, and only then can we dream of democracy. We should not forget that democracy is more than just elections. It public life, public debate free from fear and insecurity. It’s the freedom to assemble and organize without sectarian repercussions.

If you want to know how not to promote democracy, how to discredit it in the eyes of a whole civilization, look at Iraq. Thank you, W.

More on democracy and the rule of law.