IGA- Debate- Group A

Hold your horses
Every country should adopt multiparty democracy, but not every country is ready for it.

In a multiparty democratic country, people seem like drivers. With each election, voters have the ability to change their government’s direction to one they prefer. Citizens control this peaceful revolution by casting their votes. That is to say, a multiparty democracy can make everyone’s voice heard.

A multiparty political system is the best way to reflect public opinion. People are welcome to share their beliefs and thoughts. The citizens have broad freedom of speech, public discussion and receiving information. As a result, they have more active participation compared to those whose nations are dominated by a single party.

Taiwan was led by a single-party system many years ago, for example, and many books were banned during the White Terror period. The people lacked freedom of information and public discussion at that time. If someone dared to criticise the government, he would be jailed. Many years later, Taiwan uses a multiparty system in his democracy, which results in wild spread of free thoughts.

Moreover, governments that use multiparty political system, is open to criticism and more representative of the voters. It is one of purposes of democracy. Everyone is equal and has the right to monitor the government’s budget and strategies. Besides, the critics and public opinions ensure the politicians will not “get lost”. In other words, a multiparty system is essential for representative democracies, because it prevents the leadership of a single party from setting policy without challenge.

Different parties have a diverse range of opinion on issues. This fact leads to better decision-making, because of wide discussion and a sharing of beliefs. Like mountain climbing, people who are in different positions see the mountain from various angles. Everyone has his view and political opinion. It is one of the reasons why every country should adopt multiparty democracy. In that situation, the citizens actively participate in the elections and the elections can bring a real democratic country.

On the other hand, there are some risks of a multiparty democracy political system. First of all, different parties may be competitors instead of effectively working together. Each party competes for votes and wants to have power over the country. In that case, a multiparty political system makes the country worse. Politicians are not working for average people, but themselves.

The political situation in Taiwan is a good example. The heated competition, between the Nationalist Party and the Democratic Progressive Party, leads to many problems. They spend too much time arguing about pointless issues, rather than improving the economic situation. There should be cooperation among political parties. It is the only way to pursue democracy and leading to a stable country.

For poor and unstable countries, however, a strong leader may be necessary for their economic development and stability. Fidel Castro, for instance, Prime Minister of Cuba, has held effective power in the country since 1959. The Cuban government centralizes and coordinates all economic decisions. In Cuba, 85% of the people own their homes and they pay no property taxes on them whatsoever. The remaining 15% pay a wholly symbolic rent, which is only 10% of their salary.

Furthermore, if a country would adopt multiparty parliamentary democracy, it is a bad idea to adopt urgently. There is need for a stable basis, a background, the right motives, a certain level of economics, and mature parties. The people should have the same belief towards democracy. Multiparty parliamentary democracy is probably the goal of countries, however, it takes a long time to achieve.

Multiparty, parliament democracy may lead a country to a better level. The citizens have rights to vote and express their opinion freely. But, the parties may compete with each other rather than effectively work together. Moreover, it is difficult to establish multiparty parliamentary democracy without external assistance, both financial and material. A country should have stable basis to pursue democracy. It may be a matter of urgency, but it is also a long process.

( 679 words)