In developing, or so-called Third World, countries, it often seems like a distant dream for national elections to be free, fair, peaceful, acceptable, and inclusive. The characteristics of these countries—most of which gained independence after the Second World War—have evolved in such a way that elections frequently turn into a farce.
In particular, because it is often not possible to organize elections with the participation of all parties, a kind of vacuum is created in electoral campaigning and activities. In these countries, even after major political changes brought about through bloody movements and struggles, a lack of national consensus is evident in most cases.
Attempts to hold elections while excluding one party or several parties often result in one-sided contests. As a result, political crises persist, making it extremely difficult to establish peace and stability in all spheres of society.
Because of these circumstances, unrest and instability remain constant features of society in these countries. Even when a government comes to power through inclusive or controversial elections and rules with an iron hand for 10 to 20 years, internal conflicts and divisions within society and the state do not come to an end.
Rather, they become more deeply entrenched. For these reasons, no matter how much rhetoric about development and progress is showered from the lips, poverty, deprivation, rampant irregularities and corruption, economic plunder, and capital flight never truly cease in these countries. Until national unity and reconciliation are ensured, such countries continue to stumble again and again at every step.
Every country in the world experiences some degree of state and social instability. Whether rich or poor, all countries have problems of one kind or another. This will continue in the future—there is no doubt about that. However, the problems of developing countries appear repeatedly and persistently. This is strange, paradoxical, and deeply painful.
In these countries, the same mistakes are repeated over and over again. Their political leadership fails to demonstrate proper wisdom and foresight. Running a state or a country is not an easy task; it requires special qualifications, intellect, and competence. Governance cannot be based solely on slogans, yet in these countries slogans and flattery have become the essence of politics.
Words flow endlessly, while action remains scarce. In practical governance, leaders are seen to be incapable or unwilling to provide proper solutions to many of the people’s fundamental problems. In every sphere, patchwork measures are used merely to somehow cling to power.
In doing so, they eventually assume—or are forced to assume—an authoritarian character. Under geopolitical pressure, they also become confused, directionless, and unbalanced. As a result, governments come and go in these countries, but the mountain of problems remains.
Democracy is essentially a state of mind—a particular mindset or worldview. It requires a certain level of sophistication and refinement. When those in power remain constantly preoccupied with personal, party, or special group interests and privileges, it becomes difficult to work tirelessly and selflessly for the welfare of the general public.
Likewise, it becomes impossible to establish democratic consciousness throughout society. We hope that one day the countries of the Third World will emerge from this web of confusion and illusion.
