Quasi-Democracy and Public Opinion.

By: khairi janbek

usually, democratically elected governments are very sensitive about public opinion polls, because simply they indicate where the government stands, as far as the people are concenrd, and what policies are likely to make it popular or otherwise, in the eyes of the electorate; if of course, it intends to stay in power or run for re-election.

In quasi-democracies however, an appointed government does not really have to listen to the opinions of the people, but rather worry about implementing its policies without reproach from the leaders appointing it, with the least interference of the window- dressing parliament. Therefore, public opinion polls under such circumstances, albeit representing the mood of the people, at the end of the day are nothing more than an exercise in self-whipping or at best, a process of venting popular frustration when required.

So where does this issue leave the question of democracy between the demand curve of the people and the supply curve of the government in the political marketplace of a quasi-democratic country?. One can only assume, that governments under such conditions hope that at one point, the people will not be able to distinguish between what they are fed; food or statistics!!.