Nor nurtured the fragile roots of democracy. The structures for a successful democracy, however, are in place. Institutions or managing our affairs at village, urban and national levels have existed for decades if not longer. We have judicial institutions steeped in traditions to deal with conflicts. We have the infrastructure to develop a vibrant economy.
Education is universal and literacy is high.
The press with a tradition going back to the early nineteenth century is freer than in most developing countries. Above all the four main religions give the citizenry the framework, discipline and inspiration to make democracy work. The new Constitution, however far it has reached in parliamentary processes, should avoid repeating the obvious errors of the past. Both winners and major losers of elections should play a part in decision making on public policy and the running of government. We need to have a system in which all major political parties have seats in the Cabinet in proportion to the vote cast at a General Election.