Upholding the Rule of Law: A Necessity for Democracy
March 24, 2024
It's a sentiment that still lingers in my mind, echoing the words of a minister on a television talk show not too long ago. He was telling the television audience the following. He posed a question to his fellow ministers in the Board of Ministers: "Who rules this country?" Their collective response was resounding: "We do, not civil servants or anybody else." This seemingly innocuous exchange revealed a troubling reality: the lines between authority and accountability blur, and where the rule of law is overshadowed by personal influence.
Several incidents came to light in the weeks following this revelation, underscoring the erosion of our fundamental principles. Family members and acquaintances unabashedly dialed ministers, even interrupting during official meetings and seeking interventions that flouted established protocols. Two particularly egregious examples come to mind, each a glaring testament to the disregard for legal norms and the perversion of power.
The first incident unfolded when government authorities shuttered a restaurant frequented by ministers and politicians, citing violations of regulations. However, a mere phone call from a minister prompted an expedited reversal of the decision, undermining the diligent efforts of civil servants bound by the law. In another instance, a prominent figure associated with a carnival group found themselves in a predicament when their trailer failed to meet regulatory standards, prompting the police to intervene. Yet again, ministerial interference led to the deferment of the parade, prioritizing personal connections over legal compliance.
These episodes serve as stark reminders of a crucial truth: we are a nation governed by laws, not by the whims of individuals in positions of power. The rule of law is the cornerstone of our democracy, a principle that holds everyone accountable, regardless of their stature or influence. It is a principle that must be upheld, not selectively applied to serve personal interests.
The alarming trend of circumventing legal procedures in favor of personal favors is a herald of democratic decay, reminiscent of the warning signs outlined in "How Democracies Die" by Levitsky and Ziblatt (2018). It is incumbent upon us to recognize and challenge politicians who deviate from the path of upholding the rule of law, lest we slide further down the slippery slope of authoritarianism.
Let us proclaim it unequivocally: we are ruled by law, not by ministers or any individual vested with temporary authority. Our democracy hinges on the sanctity of legal principles, and it is imperative that we defend them steadfastly. Only then can we safeguard the integrity of our nation and preserve the democratic ideals that form the bedrock of our society.
Miguel Goede
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