Democratic Governance

DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE Anton Sri Probiyantono

Democratic governance is about a process of decision making that places people as the center for development. It invites the people to understand their rights, perform their respects to the presence of others, and live with dignity. At the same time, it also shows their responsibilities for the effects of their efforts and for meditating their differences. It encourages a freedom from discrimination based on race, ethnicity, class, gender or any other attributes, a freedom from threats of violence, freedom to speak and freedom to lead their lives and future generation. In term of state-management/ administration context, constituents and government institutions are the key actors involved in such process facilitated by a certain council (legislative system) established based on a consensus achieved by related actors. The success in implementing the democratic governance depends on the effectiveness of the practices and well-functioning other related institutions (such as independent judiciary, political parties, electoral systems, accessible media, and civil society) in solving development problems and addressing development challenges. However, there are challenges in implementing democratic governance, i.e. corruption, ineffective democratic institutions that neglect participation and accountability, and the apathy of constituents as the effects of their frustration due to the elites’ dishonesty. Democratic governance is required to be established meant to encourage the development of institutions and processes that are more responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens, including the poor and minorities. It should exist to strengthen electoral and legislative systems, improve access to justice and public administration and develop a greater capacity to deliver basic services to those most in need. Both human development and democratic governance include strong components of participation and choice.

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