1.4 Democratization

Democratization refers to the process through which a government moves from an authoritarian system to a more democratic one. This transition can involve varying degrees of democratic practices, and not all democratic characteristics may be fully implemented. Often, democratization is not a linear process—countries may take incremental steps forward, only to retreat to authoritarianism at times.

Characteristics of Democracy

Democracy is characterized by several key features. To measure democratization, it's important to understand these seven characteristics:

1. Free and Fair Elections
2. Competitive Elections
3. Government Accountability (including due process and transparency)
4. Political and Civil Rights
5. Independent Judiciary
6. Elected Government Officials with Authority
7. Rule of Law

Each of these characteristics represents an essential component of a democratic system, though not all are necessary for democratization to occur.

Examining Democratization in Different Countries

1. Free and Fair Elections

Examples: Mexico, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom

• Mexico and Nigeria have both shifted from authoritarian systems to emerging democracies by improving their electoral processes. These improvements include:
  • Multiparty Competition, which provides voters with more political options.
  • The creation of Independent Election Committees to reduce voter fraud and ensure fairness.
  • Adjusting district boundaries and vote thresholds to reflect population changes.
  • The establishment of Proportional Representation, where seats are distributed according to the percentage of votes each party receives.
• In the United Kingdom, the electoral process has undergone significant reforms over time. The Representation of the People Act (1918) granted voting rights to women over 30 who owned property, and the Equal Franchise Act (1928) expanded voting rights to all women over 21.

2. Competitive Elections

Examples: Mexico, Nigeria, and Russia

• Mexico serves as a strong example of improved electoral competition. For decades, the PRI (Partido Revolucionario Institucional) dominated the political landscape. Since the 2000s, power has shifted between multiple parties, marking progress in democratization.
• Nigeria has also seen a rise in political competition, with opposition parties gaining more traction.
• Russia, however, illustrates an illiberal democracy. While elections are held, the ruling United Russia party maintains total control, preventing any meaningful opposition. This limits true electoral competition, as opposition parties are unable to win elections.

3. Government Transparency

Examples: Mexico and Nigeria

• Both Mexico and Nigeria have taken steps toward greater government accountability by passing National Freedom of Information Acts. These laws allow citizens to request government information, which helps reduce corruption and build public trust. Despite challenges, these laws represent a positive step toward democratization in both countries.

4. Political and Civil Rights

Examples: Mexico and Nigeria

• Both countries have legal systems designed to protect citizens' rights. However, enforcement can be inconsistent:
  • In Nigeria, violence between religious groups in certain regions has impaired citizens' ability to fully exercise their rights.
  • In both Mexico and Nigeria, while legal protections exist, inequalities persist in the social and political realms. Nonetheless, the legal frameworks in both countries continue to evolve.

5. Independent Judiciary

Example: China

• In China, the judiciary is heavily controlled by the ruling Communist Party, with a 99.3% conviction rate indicating that the courts overwhelmingly rule in favor of the government. This lack of judicial independence exemplifies authoritarian control.

6. Elected Government Officials with Authority

Examples: China and Russia

• In China and Russia, elected officials hold authority but this power is concentrated within the ruling party.
  • In Russia, President Vladimir Putin and the United Russia Party control both the legislative and judicial branches, leaving no room for meaningful opposition.
  • In China, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) retains strict control over all aspects of government, ensuring the party’s dominance in both the executive and legislative branches.

7. Rule of Law

Examples: Mexico, Nigeria, and Russia

• The Rule of Law requires that laws be clear, consistently enforced, and apply equally to all citizens.
  • In Mexico and Nigeria, electoral systems have been improved, allowing voters to have more influence on political outcomes.
  • In Russia, however, elections lack credibility, with United Russia consistently dominating. The weak political competition undermines the Rule of Law, as opposition parties struggle to gain legitimacy.

The Democratization Process

Democratization is not an instantaneous transformation; it is a process that requires continuous effort and reform. No country perfectly embodies all seven characteristics, but by comparing these traits across nations, we can better understand how different governments balance power, rights, and accountability.

Key Trends in Democratization

• Democratic Consolidation refers to the process by which a country solidifies its democratic practices and structures. This involves:
  • Strengthening election rules, emphasizing the separation of powers, and protecting civil liberties.
  • Democratic Consolidation makes it harder for non-democratic or authoritarian governments to take hold.
• Democratic Backslide occurs when a government adopts policies or actions that hinder democratic practices. Factors like poverty and corruption often contribute to this regression. However, an independent judiciary can play a crucial role in maintaining democratic integrity by reinforcing rights and liberties.

Waves of Democratization

Democratization has been shaped by waves of change across the globe, as identified by political scientist Samuel Huntington. These waves can be categorized as follows:

1. First Wave of Democratization: Originated with the early development of democratic ideals and practices.
2. Second Wave of Democratization: Began with the Allied victory after World War II and continued into the 1960s.
3. Third Wave of Democratization: Marked by the end of military dictatorships in Latin America during the 1970s, including the shift in Mexico away from single-party rule.

Through these waves, countries around the world have faced both advances and setbacks in their journey toward democracy.

Conclusion

Understanding the dynamics of democratization involves analyzing how different countries strengthen or weaken democratic characteristics over time. By recognizing the ongoing challenges and successes in countries like Mexico, Nigeria, China, and Russia, we can better appreciate the complex process of building and sustaining democracy.