One of humanity's fundamental desires is to live in an environment free from fear. People yearn for a guarantee of safety, which allows them to focus on fulfilling their basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.
If this aspiration were universally realized, the world could transform into a peaceful and harmonious place. This vision underscores the significance of "Freedom from Fear" as a core principle of democracy.
On January 6, 1941, Franklin D. Roosevelt, then President of the United States, introduced the "Four Freedoms" in his State of the Union address, with "Freedom from Fear" as one of them.
Likewise, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, enshrines this principle. However, achieving such an ideal remains a distant dream, particularly in the developing world.
For most citizens, the desire is not to hold the highest positions of power but to lead lives free from fear. Achieving this is contingent on good governance and strict adherence to the rule of law.
Government actions should not instill fear or terror, as such practices disrupt the normal functioning of society, including daily life, commerce, and business.
Democracy thrives on conditions like freedom of movement, which is compromised when people observe arbitrary, baseless, or unjust legal actions. When individuals previously subjected to such actions are later acquitted, it raises concerns about the fairness and integrity of the system.
Why do we persist in practices that generate doubts and foster fear within society? Such actions contribute to an atmosphere of anxiety and insecurity.
Governance rooted in fear is fundamentally flawed. Terror as a tool of control obstructs societal and state development. Despite decades of independence, many developing nations remain trapped in cycles of fear and repression.
While legal action is essential for addressing crime, it must be transparent and just. How can citizens feel secure when individuals once accused or imprisoned for wrongdoing are later found advising national affairs?
This contradiction intensifies public unease. While society rejects criminals and wrongdoers, it is equally unsettling to see them influencing governance, as this perpetuates fear and erodes public trust.
Fear—or the deliberate cultivation of it—stands as a formidable obstacle to societal progress. It stifles the possibility of living in fairness and harmony. Sadly, in many developing nations, fear has become deeply entrenched in the political landscape, not only during election periods but throughout the year.
The use of lawsuits and intimidation as political weapons undermines democracy and damages the social fabric. These practices undeniably disrupt peace, order, and stability, ultimately hindering a nation's growth and collective well-being.
