Democracy is more than a vote
In 1994 the Westminster Foundation for Democracy was established, to help the new democracies of Eastern Europe create institutions and structures which would perpetuate their hard won freedoms. Today we do democracy building work in Africa, the Middle East and elsewhere.
There are political and independent governors. One former governor, Professor Mary Kaldor, once told me that in all her considerable experience, newly established democracy could not be sustained and embedded without supporting structures in civil society, and the acceptance of those structures by the people. In other words, getting the vote was only part of the picture. The notion that all you need to do is have an election and declare that democracy is established is simply not enough.
WFD Governors travel to some difficult parts of the world to offer help and guidance in a practical way. As we reflect on events of the last few years, and the incredible naïveté that surrounded them, a speech in the Commons by my fellow WFD Governor, Gary Streeter MP, excellently made the point. Whether it is Rome, Baghdad, Kabul or Kathmandu – none were built in a day, however much we would wish otherwise.
You can read Gary Streeter’s speech by following the link below:
http://pubs1.tso.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmhansrd/cm061122/debtext/61122-0014.htm#06112238001008