Question

Work in pairs or small groups. Choose any two of India’s neighbouring countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, or Sri Lanka) and find out the following:

• Does the country hold regular elections?
• Who chooses the Head of the Government?
• Is there more than one political party?
• How much freedom do citizens have to express their opinions and criticise the government?

How would you describe this system? Give reasons for your answer.

• Democratic or Partially democratic or Non-democratic

Answer 1

Nepal

1. Yes, Nepal holds regular elections for its federal, provincial, and local governments.
2. The Head of Government (Prime Minister) is chosen by the elected members of Parliament.
3. Yes, Nepal has a multi-party system, where different political parties compete in elections.
4. Citizens in Nepal have freedom of expression, and they can openly express their views and criticise the government within constitutional limits.
5. The system in Nepal can be described as democratic because:
   • Nepal holds regular elections at different levels of government, allowing people to choose their representatives.
   • The Head of Government is selected by the elected members of Parliament, ensuring leadership based on public mandate.
   • It has a multi-party system, which allows political competition and gives citizens different choices.
   • Citizens enjoy freedom of expression and can criticise the government within constitutional limits.
   • People actively participate in decision-making through the electoral process.

China

1. China does not have regular free and competitive elections like a full democracy.
2. The Head of Government is chosen within the single ruling party system (Communist Party of China).
3. No, China follows a single-party system, where the Communist Party dominates politics.
4. Citizens have limited freedom to express opinions or openly criticise the government.
5. The system in China can be described as non-democratic because:
   • China does not have regular free and competitive elections for choosing its government.
   • The Head of Government is selected within a single-party system dominated by the Communist Party.
   • There is no multi-party political competition, as one party holds most of the power.
   • Citizens have limited freedom to express opinions or openly criticise the government.