The theory and principle of democracy effectively removed the
power of elevating officials into the ruling class from the hands of potentates
and transferred same to the people. In practice there had always been
interference from strong economic and political forces in the democratic
process.
These seek to undermine or influence and manipulate the electoral
process to favour a point of view, an ideology, a selfish interest or some
candidates. This has happened in all democracies; it is indeed a human trait.
What has differed is the degree and for what ends. As a result, democracy or
the principle of it has not always had its way. The checks and balances are in
the hands of men; not angels or saints! It is this crack; the crack of human
element and weaknesses that often times transfers the final pronouncement from
the hands of the people to a select few.
