How have the Philippines and Indonesia become more democratic in recent decades?
The military led coups to seize power.
Dictators imposed new constitutions.
Civil wars divided the countries between governments.
Popular movements demanded and won elected governments.
In recent decades, both the Philippines and Indonesia have made significant strides towards becoming more democratic through popular movements that demanded and eventually won elected governments. These movements played a crucial role in shaping political landscapes in both countries.
In the Philippines, the People Power Revolution of 1986 marked a turning point in the country's democratic journey. The peaceful uprising led by a coalition of civil society groups and the Catholic Church successfully ousted President Ferdinand Marcos, who had ruled the country in an authoritarian manner for more than two decades. This movement paved the way for the restoration of democracy and the adoption of a new constitution that sought to promote democratic principles and institutions.
Similarly, Indonesia was under the authoritarian rule of President Suharto for over three decades before a popular movement brought about significant democratic reforms. In 1998, mass protests erupted across the country, fueled by political and economic dissatisfaction, leading to Suharto's resignation. This movement, often referred to as the Reformasi movement, created an opportunity for democratic reforms, including the adoption of a new constitution that strengthened democratic principles and institutions.
Although military-led coups and dictators imposing new constitutions played a role in the countries' history, these events did not directly contribute to their recent democratic advancements. Civil wars dividing the countries between governments also did not play a significant role in their democratic progress. The shift towards democracy in both the Philippines and Indonesia was primarily driven by popular movements that demanded and eventually achieved elected governments.
To understand how the Philippines and Indonesia have become more democratic in recent decades, let's analyze each country individually:
1. The Philippines:
In the Philippines, the transition towards democracy primarily occurred due to popular movements demanding and winning elected governments. Here's how it happened:
- The People Power Revolution in 1986: A peaceful revolution took place, led by popular protests demanding the ousting of then-President Ferdinand Marcos, who had ruled under martial law for 14 years. The movement succeeded in establishing a democratic government with Corazon Aquino as president.
- Electoral Reforms: Subsequent to the People Power Revolution, electoral reforms were implemented to ensure fair and free elections, including strengthening voter registration, party-list systems, and the development of independent election commissions.
- Increased Civil Society Participation: The growth of civil society organizations provided a platform for citizen engagement and participation in decision-making processes within the country.
2. Indonesia:
Indonesia's path towards democracy involved challenges like military-led coups and the imposition of new constitutions. However, democratic progress eventually prevailed, thanks to the following factors:
- Fall of Suharto's Regime: After 32 years in power, the authoritarian regime of President Suharto was challenged by widespread protests and rising social unrest. Eventually, Suharto resigned in 1998, paving the way for democratic reforms.
- Transition to Democracy: Following Suharto's resignation, Indonesia implemented constitutional reforms that led to a democratic transition. These reforms included the decentralization of power, the establishment of democratic institutions, and the holding of free and fair elections.
- Civil Society Activism: The involvement of civil society organizations played a crucial role in advocating for democratic values, promoting human rights, and pushing for tolerance and diversity in Indonesian society.
In summary, both the Philippines and Indonesia saw significant democratic progress in recent decades through popular movements, electoral reforms, and active civil society involvement. The transition to democracy allowed these countries to move away from military-led coups, dictatorship, and civil wars, towards elected governments and increased citizen participation.
In recent decades, both the Philippines and Indonesia have made significant progress towards becoming more democratic. Here are the step-by-step explanations for how this happened:
1. Popular Movements and Protests: In both countries, popular movements played a crucial role in demanding democratic reforms and pushing for change. People took to the streets, organized mass protests, and demanded greater political and civil rights.
2. Overthrow of Dictators: In the Philippines, the 1986 People Power Revolution led to the overthrow of President Ferdinand Marcos, who had ruled the country under martial law for over 20 years. Similarly, in Indonesia, widespread protests in 1998 led to the resignation of President Suharto, who had been in power for more than three decades.
3. Transition towards Democratic Institutions: Following the downfall of the dictators, both countries embarked on a path of political transition. This involved the drafting and adoption of new constitutions that safeguarded fundamental rights and established democratic institutions.
4. Elections and Democratic Governance: Subsequent to the political transitions, both countries conducted free and fair elections, allowing for the peaceful transfer of power and the establishment of elected governments. Regular elections have since become a foundational aspect of democratic practice in both the Philippines and Indonesia.
5. Strengthening of Civil Society: Civil society organizations have played an essential role in promoting democratic values and principles in both countries. These groups have worked to advocate for human rights, monitor elections, and create spaces for citizens to actively participate in the political process.
Overall, the Philippines and Indonesia have become more democratic as a result of the concerted efforts of popular movements, the overthrow of dictators, the establishment of democratic institutions, and the promotion of civil society participation.