When it comes to development in African countries, there is so much to talk about why the countries are feeling stuck in a place without progression. Some say it's because of the bad governance and some say it's because of autocracy, who is marked in the form of democracy.
That is a single power, or a leader trying to control everyone and make decisions for the country always. I hear so much argument on this, but I don't think I agree to all this. Autocracy might seem like the easy way, but I believe it's more of a risky path. And I want to share, I think, freedom, democracy. Autocracy and collaboration is the key to progress.
When it comes to autocracy, this often aligns itself to getting quick results at all times. A powerful leader can just push through any policy, make decisions on his own, and build or take on any project without the approval of people or the citizens.
I remember reading about a nation where an autocrat had to modernize schools in record time. This might sound great, but this was not as planned. Teachers were forced to comply and parents were not comfortable with the curriculum that was changed. For me, that was not development. It was a control that was seen or perceived by covering it or dressed up as progress.
Digital growth happens when people are empowered and their decisions are also heard, when their say are also heard when trying to make decisions. This opposite always works on us. A community where I once visited around my country, I visited, turned to be abandoned. And they have turned to a target market because of the residents, the local leaders, and those business owners, they collaborated together. And gave the community a good name and a good look.
Although there were debates, disagreements, but also that freedom to share your own idea, your positive idea that can transform the community was always welcomed. The market now supports families and brings hope now to the common man.
They say autocracy might give you fast results, but sometimes it often ignores the people. It was meant to serve. When we are running a government, an inclusive government, where they put the people in mind and their opinion, then, although people might be imperfect, but it brings out creativity and ownership, which are the requirements for lasting change.
So, one of the ways... One of the ways we can strengthen our system is to give voice to everyone. Let everyone have say in the government. We give free press, open elections, although sometimes it might be slow to want to get the opinions of others and just want to ask immediately. But this builds trust with time. People and citizens will start trusting you.
So, as a united people, or as united as we are, we should choose progress, which includes all, not the vision of only one person. So, what do you think about autocracy as it is being compared to democracy for our development?
AI generated