Opinion / Columnist
Democracy a key to economic success
10 Nov 2017 at 11:45hrs | Views
Research shows that countries with authoritarian and dictatorship rule are unlikely to deliver the growth needed for an economic boom.
Some countries in the African continent have typically posted some economic growth rate and have managed to create jobs for the young people in their respective countries.
Zimbabwe has a different story, it has not realised an economic growth nor has a stable working economy. It has one of the most disastrous ecomomic experience ( defined as an annual contraction in per capita gross domestic product of at least 10%)
There is a strong evidence to support that democracy is positively associated with economic growth and that this "democratic advantage" is more pronounced for those African countries that have been democratic for longer periods of time. Tenets of democracy are very important for a nation to rise. A very good example is South Africa, Botswana, Rwanda and Ghana just to mention a few.
Not only do democratic regimes improve accountability but also the great asset of democracy is that it enables a test of philosophies in the market place of political consumer. One of the most advantage of democratic systems and their flexibility and pragmatism. They enable a dialogue. Democracy makes politics and policies more competitive, something particularly lacking under autocratic regimes and, to be successful, business and economies need a competitive edge. So dictatorship comes with a cost to potential economic growth.
We have noticed some militant approach when dealing with issues of economic development in Zimbabwe.
Autocratics have produced weak economic growth and are likely to record sharp economic declines and limits economic opportunity as potential for job creation hence our government is failing to create employment needed to turn around a stagnating economy.
Another reason for supporting democracy is that, historically, democracies have proved to be much more effective at resolving tensions and conflict within societies peacefully.
It is now entirely in the self - interest of authoritarian regimes to move towards democracy because authoritarianism often ends with violence and serious consequences for the incumbent. Peace and stability, or lack of it, have economic as well as social consequences.
Zimbabwe is a country encouraged to uphold democratic processes in order to achieve the Millenium Development Goals.
Democracy produces orderly changes of leadership. It enables people to be patient for their turn rather than revert to a coup. In this regard the 1991 Organisation of African Unity Conference on Security, Development and Co-operation in Africa identified lack of inclusive democracy as the primary cause of insecurity on the the continent.
A viable democratic dispensation offers the possibility of alternative government and avoid government complacency.
The demand for democracy in Zimbabwe is strongly needed in the country but the government is still adamant hence the creation of one centre of power where only one person has the prerogative to decide and act.
Authoritarian and dictatorship rule does not have a room in modern day politics.
Democracy is only as strong as its weakest link and at these moments, our democracy is under siege and we don't know how it will be like with the current atmosphere prevailing in the country. The country is very divided and it is not singing from the same hymn book. We shall be going for polls next year and everyone is expecting to see a free and fair election.
Our country's reputation is under assault, our economy is under stress, we have become a laughing stock for all across the globe.
Constitution must be followed and we must not waste much of our time fighting for who should take what position, resources and etc. We are supposed to address real fundamental issues affecting the country as a whole like employment and economic issues.
Feedback
Facebook - Leonard Koni
Twitter - @leokoni
Whatsapp - +27747402042
Email - konileonard606@gmail.com
Some countries in the African continent have typically posted some economic growth rate and have managed to create jobs for the young people in their respective countries.
Zimbabwe has a different story, it has not realised an economic growth nor has a stable working economy. It has one of the most disastrous ecomomic experience ( defined as an annual contraction in per capita gross domestic product of at least 10%)
There is a strong evidence to support that democracy is positively associated with economic growth and that this "democratic advantage" is more pronounced for those African countries that have been democratic for longer periods of time. Tenets of democracy are very important for a nation to rise. A very good example is South Africa, Botswana, Rwanda and Ghana just to mention a few.
Not only do democratic regimes improve accountability but also the great asset of democracy is that it enables a test of philosophies in the market place of political consumer. One of the most advantage of democratic systems and their flexibility and pragmatism. They enable a dialogue. Democracy makes politics and policies more competitive, something particularly lacking under autocratic regimes and, to be successful, business and economies need a competitive edge. So dictatorship comes with a cost to potential economic growth.
We have noticed some militant approach when dealing with issues of economic development in Zimbabwe.
Autocratics have produced weak economic growth and are likely to record sharp economic declines and limits economic opportunity as potential for job creation hence our government is failing to create employment needed to turn around a stagnating economy.
Another reason for supporting democracy is that, historically, democracies have proved to be much more effective at resolving tensions and conflict within societies peacefully.
It is now entirely in the self - interest of authoritarian regimes to move towards democracy because authoritarianism often ends with violence and serious consequences for the incumbent. Peace and stability, or lack of it, have economic as well as social consequences.
Democracy produces orderly changes of leadership. It enables people to be patient for their turn rather than revert to a coup. In this regard the 1991 Organisation of African Unity Conference on Security, Development and Co-operation in Africa identified lack of inclusive democracy as the primary cause of insecurity on the the continent.
A viable democratic dispensation offers the possibility of alternative government and avoid government complacency.
The demand for democracy in Zimbabwe is strongly needed in the country but the government is still adamant hence the creation of one centre of power where only one person has the prerogative to decide and act.
Authoritarian and dictatorship rule does not have a room in modern day politics.
Democracy is only as strong as its weakest link and at these moments, our democracy is under siege and we don't know how it will be like with the current atmosphere prevailing in the country. The country is very divided and it is not singing from the same hymn book. We shall be going for polls next year and everyone is expecting to see a free and fair election.
Our country's reputation is under assault, our economy is under stress, we have become a laughing stock for all across the globe.
Constitution must be followed and we must not waste much of our time fighting for who should take what position, resources and etc. We are supposed to address real fundamental issues affecting the country as a whole like employment and economic issues.
Feedback
Facebook - Leonard Koni
Twitter - @leokoni
Whatsapp - +27747402042
Email - konileonard606@gmail.com
Source - Leonard Koni
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