Many Countries Have Gone Through Various Ways

Instructionsmany Countries Have Gone Through Various Ways Of Governing

Many countries have gone through various ways of governing-by one, by a group, or by the people. Pick one developing country. Examine this country's political history and current barriers in developing their democracy. Create a concise argument on the type of democracy they should institute and why. Use the following list to select your developing country: (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. 2 pages paper. Reference: minimum of 2 scholarly sources with the course text. Magstadt, T. M. (2017). Understanding politics: Ideas, institutions, and issues. Australia: Cengage Learning. To refer to the text book, I attached summary of the chapter.

Paper For Above instruction

Developing countries often experience complex political histories that influence their current democratic structures. For this paper, I have selected Nigeria as the focus due to its rich history of political upheaval and strides toward democracy. Nigeria's journey from colonial rule to independence marked a transition through various governance forms, including military coups and civilian rule. The historical context reveals a pattern of instability, corruption, and influence of military interventions that have impeded the development of a robust democratic system. Despite the existence of elected governments, barriers such as electoral fraud, political corruption, ethnic tensions, and weak institutions continue to hinder democracy's consolidation in Nigeria. Understanding these barriers is critical to recommending an appropriate democratic model that can promote stability, inclusion, and good governance.

Nigeria's political history is characterized by a struggle for national unity amid ethnic and regional diversities. Initially, post-independence Nigeria faced challenges in establishing effective democratic institutions, with military coups disrupting civilian governance in 1966, 1976, 1983, and 1993. These coups were often justified as responses to corruption and inefficiency, but they perpetuated instability and weakened democratic norms. The return to civilian rule in 1999 marked a turning point; however, ongoing issues such as electoral malpractice, corruption, and ethnic rivalries continue to hamper democracy's consolidation (Osaghae & Suberu, 2005). To ensure sustainable democratic development, Nigeria needs to adopt a form of democracy that emphasizes institutional strength, accountability, and ethnic inclusion.

Given Nigeria's diverse ethnolinguistic composition, a federal democracy with strong checks and balances is suitable to accommodate regional identities while maintaining national unity. Federalism allows regions to govern themselves with a degree of autonomy, reducing ethnic tensions and fostering local development. Furthermore, Nigeria should institute electoral reforms to combat electoral fraud and enhance transparency, perhaps through independent electoral commissions and international monitoring. Strengthening judicial independence and anti-corruption agencies is also essential to uphold the rule of law and foster public trust in democratic institutions (Magstadt, 2017). These measures collectively can overcome barriers such as corruption and ethnic conflicts, paving the way for a more inclusive and resilient democracy.

In conclusion, Nigeria should institute a federal democratic system grounded in strong institutions, electoral integrity, and ethnic inclusiveness. Such a system addresses the historical and current barriers by promoting regional autonomy, transparency, and accountability. A focus on institutional strengthening and anti-corruption measures can foster trust among citizens and encourage active participation in the democratic process. These reforms are vital for Nigeria's democratic stability and its aspiration for economic development and social cohesion.

References

• Magstadt, T. M. (2017). Understanding politics: Ideas, institutions, and issues. Cengage Learning.
• Osaghae, E. E., & Suberu, R. T. (2005). The Fulfilled Promise of Federalism in Nigeria? Journal of Modern African Studies, 43(3), 363–387.