Legitimacy, an essential condition for governing a state? (II)

“Power can be exerted through voluntary or quasi-voluntary” (Levi & Sacks, 2009). This simply implies that, if citizens were to accept and conform to the rules and laws set up by a body of authority, then acceptance and reception of power becomes voluntary by the citizens themselves, failure to do so, those in power have the option to force them. Although the other side may say legitimacy cannot help in executing powers because those in authority execute powers whenever they feel or want and sometimes without consulting the citizens. To disagree with the above, if legitimacy is set up in a country and is followed, citizens will know their rights and if they are violated, they are mandated and expected to act upon on those who disregard their rights. After all, legitimacy is a ‘right’ of having to accept the rules and laws. Henceforth, the real issue still prevails in emphasising that indeed legitimacy is a veritable tool in building and developing good governance in a country..

Democracy

The other ultimate aspect of legitimacy as a need to govern a nation is for the fact that legitimacy is crucial in developing a democratic nation. The term democracy has been given its definition as, “Democracy is, and can only be, the political system in which the power resides in the active demos” (Sartori, 1965: 562). Sartori’s definition of democracy can be further simplified as a political system in which majority of citizens in a country fully execute and exercise their rights and powers by voting for what and who they want. Hence, the common phrase of ‘majority rules.’ Now, back to our main course, in a society where citizens also have a say in the dealings of a country of which is normally referred to as ‘participatory culture,’ encourages the idea and aspect of democracy. It is the democracy that is brought up in the first place a country being legitimate and realising its value. Those that do not believe in the idea of legitimacy may argue that whether democracy is there or not, it does not guarantee, peace and the voting elections that are normally held in countries that claim to preach this so-called ‘democracy’ do nothing but to tamper with the voting process where corruption is involved. Does this favour the citizens that believe in democracy and how will this promote legitimacy? To give attention to this critique, regardless of whether those in authority temper with the voting elections or not, it is still cannot be proved that they are indeed doing so because in order to be able to deal with an issue at hand then facts and proof are needed, not misconceptions and misjudgements simply because such people fail to understand the importance of legitimacy.

The reason Botswana is cited as one of the peaceful countries in the world is because she is a democratic country. For this reason, it highly believes in being legitimate. That is why, cases of wars, civil disobedience, conflicts and disputes are not really common. The country itself is democratic; the voting elections normally go smoothly with no wars between parties, less conflicts and disagreements. It is because of this legitimacy that Botswana has gained worldwide acknowledgement so easily. This encourages international recognition that brings about global investments and a range of opportunities. Can this typical example not give testimony that legitimacy is indeed important for such reasons? It surely does.

Silhouettes 

Every country in the world sets their goals, aims and agenda from day one. Therefore, this motion does not happen haphazardly or out of the blue. That is why legitimacy has to be cited as the most leading tool in contributing to this matter. Legitimacy makes it possible for the country or nation to expressively set out their mandates of which they will be obliged to achieve within a stipulated time. The nation is compelled to follow, implement and act on what is on the country’s agenda. The other side of those who are in the motion of critiquing the value of legitimacy will then point out that, most countries across the globe have not achieved their agendas yet they always go on about legitimacy. How is this chaotic ordeal addressed or who is to answer for causing such havoc? In addressing to this form criticism, setting a goal or state agenda does not necessarily mean that within that stated time, the nation aims and hopes to have achieved their goals by that time. They will strive to work hard day in and day out for the purpose of achieving the state purpose. The least that people can do is do less of criticising and at least appreciate the efforts of the government.

Just right after Botswana gained its independence in 1966, it came up and drew an oath that by the year 2016, they should have achieved their Vision 2016 pillars and to just name a few, that they would have an educated, informed nation, a prosperous, productive and innovative nation, and a compassionate, just and caring nation.

Hence, Botswana as a country which does not lose hope moved its vision pillars to the year 2036 which basically proves that one does not have to give up if they haven’t achieved their goals or aims.  It is this legitimacy that helps the country to even have such state goals, aims and agendas in the first place.

Govt’s survival

For a country to be able to go on well it is pretty much determined by the government. One may ask if that is possible. This is where the core issue of legitimacy comes. For the government to be able to survive, legitimacy is needed. A society that conforms to the laws that regulate them also helps the government in a positive way because there will be reduced crime rates.

Again, those good at appraising will point out that the fact that the citizens obey the laws and rules set before them does not mean that the survival of the government is guaranteed. Most governments have fallen out due to those in power failing the system because of their hypocrisy just in the name of bringing about legitimacy. Legitimacy is done for a common purpose, a common mandate and a common directive. As long as legitimacy prevails, the survival of the government is guaranteed.

Where there is legitimacy, good governance will prevail and that it is a certainty. If one may ask, is legitimacy a necessary condition to govern a country? With all the above well-written and explained points, this essay gladly answers that, yes, it is no doubt that legitimacy is a necessary condition to govern a country. (Concluded)

Motsu, a  University of Botswana student, writes from Gaborone

Leave a Reply