A Tale of Two Democracies and the Relative Maturity of the Electorates

It continues to be the best of times in the U.S. for a small minority – the rich and the upper-middle income segments.  For the rest of the U.S. population, the best of times will remain, “an American dream, unfulfilled.”

Unfortunately, a small proportion of the electorate is laying the foundation for yet another “marketing-based, substance-less” agenda for the upcoming Presidential elections. Rather than focusing on the economy, climate change, integrating the immigrants, addressing the increasing inequality, and the rise of the millennials, this group is caught up in a frenzy, unable to separate fact from fiction.

 This phenomenon can be summarized as, “An immature electorate in a mature democracy.” Yet what keeps the U.S.democracy functioning well is the enforcement of the rule of law.

I have lived an equal number of years in the U.S. and India. India boasts “a fast maturing electorate in a growing democracy” as I witnessed during my frequent visits to this country.What makes this democracy challenging is the might of the rich and the powerful, especially in circumventing the rule of law. Yet what makes the Indian democracy vibrant and resilient is the maturity of the electorate even in the midst of illiteracy, bureaucracy and poverty.

 In recent weeks, several important events have dominated the news cycle in the U.S. and India respectively, that bring to light the perceived inequalities among castes and races, and how the world’s most powerful and most populous democracies are dealing with them.

 In the U.S.A., which arguably boasts of the safest drinking water in the world, the news that lead contaminated water was deliberately supplied to the residents of Flint came to national attention too late. What is worrisome is that a good proportion of the electorate is apathetic.

 In India, the recent sad demise of a University student, the tragic floods in the State of Tamil Nadu, and the escalating crimes against women, have energized her electorate. The debates questioning the foundation of India’s democracy, and the role of the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary in ensuring that the constitutional rights of all are protected regardless of caste, gender, or religion, have gained momentum.

 Will there be a happy ending to the two tales?

In the U.S.A., regardless of wealth or power, the guilty are punished. One can also hope that the millennial generation will usher in the age of wisdom among the electorate.

 In India, the rich and powerful can commit the most heinous of crimes with impunity. One can however hope that the millennial generation will usher in the spring of hope in an already vigilant electorate.

 Acknowledgment: Portions of the Title, and portions of the closing sentences are credited to Charles Dickens, “A Tale of Two Cities.”

Image credited to blogs.state.gov