Western democratic model isn't working for us; let's rethink it

From left Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua speaking with People's Liberation Party (PLP) Leader Martha Karua during the official launch of the People's Liberation Party (PLP) that has rebranded from the former NARC Kenya at Liberation House in Nairobi on February 27, 2025. [Standard, Kanyiri Wahito]

What goes into the making of a functioning democracy? Among one of the most crucial factors is the running of free and fair elections. Usually, political parties are formed on the basis of ideology. Across Europe and North America, popular parties espouse conservative or liberal values, and some are even more specific, such as the Green party, which across the world is focused on ensuring that the planet is prioritised in governance and policymaking. Another internationally recognised party is the Communist Party, which works to move countries beyond capitalism and into socialism as a preliminary step to establishing communist societies.