by Gonzalinho da Costa
Democracy is power,
Power of the people,
The people exercising majority rule,
Majority rule in defense and support of human rights, including minority rights,
Rights upheld and protected by the rule of law,
Rule of law ensuring free and fair elections,
Free and fair—and sufficiently frequent—elections supported by a multi-party system joined to active political participation,
Political participation of an educated and empowered polity functioning beyond minimal levels of subsistence,
Polity that insists on the transparency and accountability of their rulers,
Rulers who govern through robust democratic institutions that maintain the separation of powers and check the abuse of power,
Institutions that advance peace, social justice, economic freedom, indeed, all forms of human development.