Civil Society: An Identity for Elevated Democracy and Fair Adult Suffrage

Abstract

Democracy is a form of government where peoples’ active participation is essential. Due to vastness of population direct democracy has ceased to exist though this is possible at the grass root level while working through various local self-governments. But hegemony of the rulers prevents participation of common people in the process even at the grass-root level. Absence of plurality invites despotism in governance of the administration and democracy is eclipsed due to executive exuberance of the executives and parliamentary dictatorship. Civil Society from age of Aristotle (384–322 BCE) played an important role in elevation of democracy and restoring liberty of people against the despotic rulers. Role of such Civil Society has become a sine qua non in the present day for free and fair adult suffrage in a democratic situation. Election violence, economic repression as well as social aggression by the rulers have vitiated the process of democratic administration and muting voice of even the civil society through bounties and favours.