By Aya Galal
The International Day of Democracy, observed annually on 15 September, was created following a 2007 UN General Assembly resolution aimed at promoting the strengthening and consolidation of democratic systems worldwide. Indeed, the concept of democracy is based on the active involvement of people, their voices, consensus and role in shaping their communities and governance. It thrives when fundamental rights are upheld, especially for those who are most vulnerable or marginalized.
However, while democracy is often considered as a universal ideal, it cannot be viewed as a one-size-fits-all model, to be transferred from one nation to another. Overall, global history has showed that there is not such a universal model that can be imposed to every context. This ambition is rather rooted in colonial arrogance that does not allow for the full expression of the uniqueness and richness of different societies with their own specific histories and traditions. The level of democracy of different region cannot be measured against standards that are those of Western democracies. Every nation should build its own democratic path, adapted to its context, circumstances and stage of development. Without these appropriation process, the pursuit of democracy may lead to instability rather than progress.
The Arab Region has its unique historical, social, political, economic challenges that hinder the adoption of western democratic systems. The modern political structures in the region are heavily influenced by its colonial past and post-independence governance patterns. Past colonial powers drew borders that basically ignored ethnic, tribal, and sectarian realities, often leading to the creation of fragile states. After independence, many authoritarian regimes were just supported by western countries to keep their influence and leave the power in the hands of a few, limiting de facto political pluralism. Consequently, many countries in the region lack a long-standing tradition of democratic institutions, such as independent judiciaries, accountable governments, and competitive political parties.
Furthermore, the western concept of democracy has proven to be difficult to implement globally especially when it has been pushed by external powers, rather than arising organically from within local societies. This top-down approach, particularly when imposed through military interventions or violent conflict as in Iraq and Libya, has often led to protracted political instability, weakened state institutions, and deep societal divisions. This externalization of democracy has not fully embodied the diversity of the social fabric in the Middle East, sufficiently reflecting the variety of ethnic groups and cultural distinctions; it has also overlooked the local religious dynamics, and the historical experiences affected by years of colonial policies. This oversight has fostered resistance to foreign interference and contributed to long-lasting lack of trust towards central government institutions. As a result, instead of achieving liberal democratic outcomes, these efforts have sometimes exacerbated authoritarianism toward genuine democratic development in the MENA region.
The concept of democracy is facing significant challenges in numerous Western countries as well, where the rise of populism and extremism, particularly from far-right parties, is altering the political landscape. This shift is often characterized by the implementation of more controlled and restrictive policies that undermine democratic principles. As these parties gain influence, the political consensus is increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few political lobbies, sidelining the broader electorate. This dynamic not only diminishes the role of citizens in the political process but also confines their political agency to social arenas, where their voices lack the power to make meaningful change. Consequently, the role and engagement of citizens is marginalized, leading to a deeper disconnection between government actors and the will of the people. This erosion of democratic values raises critical questions about the future of governance and the preservation of civil liberties.
Despite the challenges, there is a growing recognition within societies for the necessity of expanding civic space and implementing meaningful structural reforms. To cultivate a conducive environment for democratic governance in the Middle East, it is crucial to localize the democratic process by aligning its principles with the local contexts and needs. This process involves building trust, ensuring transparency, and enhancing accountability and participation. It is thus essential for democracy in Arab region to emphasize a delocalized and decolonized framework as well, ensuring that local voices are prioritized in the governance process, fostering genuine trust, participation and ownership among citizens, and ultimately creating a system that is responsive to the diverse needs and aspirations of the population. Failure to adopt this ad hoc, participatory, and bottom-up approach increases the risk of societal disengagement from the governmental process and a potential shift toward authoritarian alternatives.
In conclusion, democracy continues to be a crucial aspiration for establishing a state founded on social cohesion, national unity, and progress, yet its implementation must be better adapted and moulded on local backgrounds. The ARDD webinar, titled “Reimagining Participatory Governance in the Arab Region,” underscored the shortcomings of top-down governance in the Arab world, attributing these failures to conflicts, weak institutions, external influences, and a decline in public trust. The discussion emphasized the importance of localized, participatory approaches that foster civic participation, actively engage youth and women, and strengthen the connections between the state and society through proximity networks, essential for restoring trust, consensus, legitimacy and resilience.
To enhance trust and participation in democracy, the following action points should be pursued:
- Youth Involvement: Establish youth councils and create digital platforms for their engagement. As the share of 15-29-year-olds exceeds 30% of the working-age population in most Arab countries, there is an urgent need to create strategies for youth in both public and private sector to play a proactive role, in particular by creating the space for youth in the public life and better opportunities for them to influence policy making.
- Women’s and Marginalized Groups’ Participation: Introduce quotas in parliament and local councils, remove legal and social barriers, and provide leadership training to encourage active involvement.
- Community Engagement: Organize town halls, local assemblies, and digital platforms where citizens can propose, debate, and vote on community projects.
- Civic Education: Educate citizens about their rights, responsibilities, and mechanisms to influence governance.
- Local Democracy and Participatory Governance: Emphasize this approach by delocalizing and decolonizing democratic processes, ensuring that the decision-making reflects the unique cultural, social, and political needs and reality of the community.
By prioritizing these initiatives and amplifying the voices of marginalized groups, including women and youth, we can create a democratic system that genuinely reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of society a s a whole.
https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2016/12/youth-in-the-mena-region_g1g71a3c/9789264265721-en.pdf
