In many democracies, political participation of citizens has been declining. Representatives are often elected on the basis of a tiny minority of voters. In the name of the people, officials determine policies and programs, which often end up benefiting themselves and other lite. In transitional democracies, systems of electoral politics have yet to be rooted in local culture. Fragile mechanisms appear to create the fa ade of democratic governance.
Powerful leaders create an aura of mass support and act in idiosyncratic, dictatorial ways.
Therefore, the meaning of governance is complex. It is more than multiparty elections, a judiciary, and a parliament.