Democracy is a journey

Democracy is often described as the greatest gift of modern civilization. It is a system that promises freedom, equality, and the power of participation. At its core lies the idea that every citizen has the right to shape the decisions that govern their lives. Abraham Lincoln famously captured this ideal in his Gettysburg Address, proclaiming that democracy is a “government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

Yet as we observe Democracy Week and the International Day of Democracy on September 15, the question lingers: How close are we to that ideal? One of the most inspiring milestones in the history of democracy came 132 years ago, when New Zealand made a historic decision on 19 September 1893. For the first time in the world, a self-governing nation granted women the rights to vote in parliamentary elections. This courageous step was far more than a legislative change – it was a bold challenge to centuries-old patriarchal norms and a powerful declaration that democracy must be inclusive. The story of women’s suffrage in New Zealand is a testament to determination and moral conviction. In the late 19th century, politics was considered the exclusive domain of men.

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The prevailing view was that a woman’s place was in the home, while public affairs were left to men. Women had no say in crafting the laws that affected their lives, leaving them as second-class citizens. But change was on the horizon. Led by figures like Kate Sheppard, the suffrage movement in New Zealand defied societal expectations. Women activists organized rallies, collected massive petitions, and tirelessly raised awareness about the injustice of political exclusion. Their movement was never born from anger, but from a deep belief in justice, equality, and the power of democracy. Finally, after years of struggle, the New Zealand Parliament passed the Electoral Act in 1893, granting all adult women the right to vote. The world took notice. New Zealand’s decision became a beacon of hope for suffragists globally, inspiring similar movements in other countries.

It proved that democracy could no longer afford to exclude half the population. Lincoln’s words sound noble: “Of the people, by the people, for the people.” But in practice, the picture is much more complicated. Instead of being a government of the people, many democratic systems now seem dominated by political elites, entrenched parties, and career politicians disconnected from the ordinary citizen. The influence of corporate lobbyists is so pervasive that policy decisions often seem shaped more by money than by the will of the people. The notion that democracy is “by the people” is challenged by the fact that election campaigns have turned into inexpensive spectacles, dominated by big-money interests.

Instead of grassroots participation, the political process is frequently swayed by corporate donations , political action committees, and media spin. As a result, voter apathy is rising, disillusioned by a system that appears rigged in favour of the powerful. Even worse is the claim that democracy is “for the people.” Far too often, the reality is that public policies serve the interests of the wealthy and powerful, not the common citizen. Soaring health care cost , unemployment, climate change inaction, and growing inequality are evidence that democratic governments frequently fail to prioritize the needs of their people. Ironically, in several parts of the world the very right to vote remains restricted.

Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE offer women only limited voting rights, while nations like Brunei still rule under sultans, where universal suffrage is a distant dream. Even established democracies struggle with systemic inequalities. According to recent global reports, women make up only around 26 per cent of national parliamentarians worldwide – an improvement from a century ago, but still far from equal representation. The digital age was once heralded as a revolution for democracy. Social media platforms and digital tools were expected to empower ordinary citizens, expand political participation, and break the barriers of censorship. Yet, the opposite is unfolding. Online disinformation campaigns, algorithmic bias, surveillance, and data manipulation have become powerful tools to undermine democratic integrity.

Today, democracy faces both old and new enemies: authoritarian rulers who suppress dissent , populist leaders who exploit divisions, and tech giants who profit from influencing public opinion. The satirical truths that democracy is increasingly becoming: “Government of the politicians, by the lobbyists, and for corporate interests.” But this does not mean hope is lost. The legacy of New Zealand’s suffrage movement remains a powerful reminder that democracy is not a gift – it is a constant struggle. The women who fought for voting rights did not stop at winning the ballot; they demanded dignity, equality, and recognition as full citizens. Their battle shows that democracy is sustained by unity, persistence, and moral courage. Today, Democracy Week is not just a ceremonial celebration. It is a call to action. It asks us to go beyond casting a vote once in a few years.

Real democracy thrives when citizens are informed , engaged, and unafraid to hold leaders accountable. It depends on active participation, respect for civil liberties, protection of dissent, and a willingness to confront inequality. The challenges are many. Cultural barriers and violence continue to stifle women’s political participation. Structural hurdles – such as lack of access to education, economic disparity, and political intimidation – prevent large sections of society from joining the political process. And digital manipulation, unchecked surveillance, and the spread of fake news now threaten the very foundation of informed democratic choice. However, there is a reason for cautious optimism. Grassroots movements, independent journalism, whistle – blowers, and citizen activism are steadily challenging the corporate – state complex .

Technology, despite its pitfalls, can be harnessed to empower voices, promote transparency, and enhance civic engagement. As we celebrate the achievements of Democracy Week and honour the historic suffrage victory in New Zealand, let us reflect on the real meaning of democracy. It is neither a luxury nor a historical relic. It is a continuous commitment to inclusion, justice, and the rule of law. The right to vote is just the first step – it must be followed by a relentless pursuit of accountability, equality, a n d opportunity. In this era of growing authoritarianism and democratic backsliding, it is more important than ever to keep Lincoln’s words in mind – but not as a static slogan.

Instead, we must remember that democracy is fragile. It is a promise we must renew every day, through our actions, our choices, and our courage to challenge injustice. This Democracy Week , the message is clear: Democracy is not a destination but a journey. It is built on the sacrifices of those who fought for equal rights and must be protected by every citizen who believes in freedom. Let us ensure that the spirit of that historic day in New Zealand continues to inspire the generations to come.

(The writer is Professor, Centre for South Asian Studies, Pondicherry Central University.)