Much water has flown down the Thames since the British people voted for the exit of their country from European Union (EU), the decision popularly named Brexit. The explanation is that it is a referendum in which the majority voted for Brexit. This majority was 52 per cent over 48 per cent. So, the fact of the matter is that only four per cent more people wanted the Brexit. If this is democracy then God can only save the system.
Majority can mean anything from 50.01 per cent to 99.99. But the point is can 50.01 per cent decide the fate of the remaining 49.99IJ And is it fairIJ Democracy is a system of governance where the view of the majority prevails. However, this does not mean that the majority has absolute right to decide the fate of the minority. If that happens, then the system cannot run.
It is in this light that the referendum for Brexit and the whole idea of democracy has to be viewed. Exercise of direct franchise through referendum is thus a risky affair and may have serious implications. The essence of a democracy is lost when referendums are resorted to for settling critical issues because they require more considered opinions, and referendum may not be that.
Particularly when matters of larger interest involving the entire populace are in question. The stability and success of a democracy cannot just depend on the opinion of the majority. If that starts happening democracies may become anarchies.
Going back to the Brexit issue, let us talk of a hypothetical test. What will happen if the Brexit referendum is held again todayIJ Well, anything may happen and chances are that the figures would certainly change. The strength of a democratic system lies in its representativeness, its spirit to represent and protect the interests of every segment of the populace. It is a system in which the golden rule is ‘equal rights to all, special privileges to none’. Even the majority. That is the reason why democratic systems need to be supported by other mechanisms which act as checks and balances against the tyranny of majoritarianism.
So there is a Constitution, there are institutions to protect the Constitution and there are watchdogs to keep democracy from going astray. It is erroneous to view referendums as the best means to exercise democratic right. Though voters are voting directly, it is fraught with several dangers. Sometimes the vote may be exercised without due consideration, sometimes out of ignorance or naivety, and sometimes due to peer pressure or popular perception created though media hype.
The slim margin of difference in the Brexit case reflects all three. Democracy has to be more stable and the subjects responsible and mature. Popular vote may not always reflect the right position. Sometimes it is the herd mentality that is reflected in popular opinion, which may be a prescription for doom. Democracy needs to be resistant to cheap populism and false propaganda. Relying on the common man’s opinion for every issue, significant or trivial may not always be prudent. It is this that leaders need to understand.
Popular vote on crucial issues are best avoided as there is a difference between mobocracy and democracy. You cannot leave critical issues on the opinion of the masses. Or else, you may even justify xenophobia. Democracy is more about value-based leadership. Referendum is sometimes abdicating leadership responsibility. It is important to understand the crucial difference between referendum and democratic values.
The writer is a professor of management and public speaker. He can be reached at ppathak.ism@gmail.com