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Can Democracy thrive without Justice?

Luisa Rumens

Democracy and justice are two intertwined values that should coexist for a society to achieve peace and stability. However, the question of whether democracy can thrive without justice is one that has elicited mixed reactions from people over the years. In my opinion, democracy cannot thrive in the absence of justice because justice is the foundation of a just and fair society. Justice ensures that every person enjoys equal rights and is treated with dignity and respect, irrespective of their social, economic or political status.

Justice is essential for democratic governance because it ensures that the rule of law is respected. The rule of law implies that everyone is equal before the law, and no one is above the law. In a society where justice is absent, powerful individuals can easily manipulate the legal system to suit their interests, discriminating against the weak and innocent. This leads to an unequal distribution of power, wealth, and resources, which breeds discontent, mistrust, and social instability.

Democracy, on the other hand, is a system of government that promotes the values of equality, freedom, and justice. It guarantees that people have the power to participate in the decision-making process of the country and elect their leaders through free and fair elections. However, for democracy to be successful, justice must prevail. In other words, democracy should not just be procedural, but also substantive. It should respect the democratic rights of every citizen, including minorities, women, and vulnerable groups, and protect them from abuse and discrimination.

In the absence of justice, democracy becomes a farce, and the state's institutions become hollow. People lose faith in their leaders and the government, and the country slides into chaos and despair. Justice, therefore, is the glue that holds democracy together, ensuring that the principles of democracy are upheld and respected.

In conclusion, justice is a fundamental value that democracy cannot afford to ignore. Democracy cannot thrive without justice because justice ensures that people are treated fairly, and their rights are respected. Without justice, democracy becomes a sham, and the people lose faith in their government. Therefore, to create a democratic society that values diversity, freedom, equality, and justice, we must work towards creating a just society that upholds the rule of law and respects human rights.