Turkey’s democracy deficit

The economy of Turkey which has over decades became the envy of neighboring countries and other most powerful nations in the world is clearly showing dwindling indicators of weakness in various sectors that contributes to its Gross Domestic Product GDP. The transfer of products and services within and out of Turkey and its Industrial production […]

The economy of Turkey which has over decades became the envy of neighboring countries and other most powerful nations in the world is clearly showing dwindling indicators of weakness in various sectors that contributes to its Gross Domestic Product GDP.
The transfer of products and services within and out of Turkey and its Industrial production capacity to meet its demand and supply regime has shown Significant signs of weakness recently.
Stability in economy is equals to stability in governance, any country with poor and despotic governance structure will experience failure and collapse of economy.
There is a widespread agreement that the democracy deficit has become a huge problem.
Nobody is hopeful for their future because of those who have taken the country to the edge of unpredictable darkness.
There is no trace of the rule of law. The state bureaucracy, being run by incompetent partisans, is now paralyzed. Irregularity and corruption have become a norm in an environment where nepotism has replaced merit and where there is no legality or supervision. The media are unable to perform their natural function of being a watchdog of the government. Even reference to the restrictions over freedom of expression and freedom of the media or to the threats posed against journalists and intellectuals is now considered daring.
Our economy, showing visible signs of deterioration, is dragging its own body under operations conducted through false information. There is no single department where some success has been maintained in the field of foreign policy, which is being run by dreamers who have no grasp at all with reality.
Recently, Freedom House, Human Rights Watch and Transparency International have all objectively presented the embarrassing performance of Turkey in various fields, such as press freedom and human rights. Unfortunately, the image of Turkey in these reports almost portrays a failed state that is being dragged by an unrestricted and corrupt dictator to the edge of disaster. In addition, all universal, social, cultural, historical, national and moral values have been seriously undermined. Those who argue they pay attention to values and morality are considered the most corrupt segment of the society.
As in past cases, which have represented turning points in history, there is just one person serving as source of these problems. As in previous examples and cases, the masses, being manipulated by the unlimited aspirations of such unrestricted persons, never learned any lessons from the unfortunate experiences caused by these figures. Yet, history is full of disasters by which a number of nations have been dragged to the edge of destruction under the rule of such figures.
However, the current state of Affairs in running modern democracy in Turkey can be handled by making wide consultations with major stakeholders in the politics and governance in Turkey.
This has to be initiated by the ruling party and sitting government, President Erdogan’s cabinet has to consult with the judiciary, the media, the civil society, the electorates and even major partners in other neighboring countries.
The has undermined the people for too long, the society has been taken for granted and so there is absolute and urgent need to dialogue with various interest groups to achieve a peaceful and united Turkey.
In the areas of international relations, the country has to look at existing relationships and as well examine the areas of concern the country in bilateral relations and as well improve on the border control services to tighten security.
Government has to as well minimize all forms of interactions with terrorists groups if they must win the confidence of the people once again, especially as these groups have been allowed to explore oil in some sections of the country.
Going forward, Turkey has to win back investors’ confidence on Direct Foreign Investment (DFI), considering its strategic position in commerce, manufacturing and heavy industrialization in Europe and the African Continent.
Aydin Oguzhan writes this piece from Abuja. He can be reached at [email protected]