Development vs. Democracy?

Does a choice have to be made between the two? Simon Kolawole over at This Day online (one of the main Nigerian newspapers) talks about a "Lagos model" of development--a delicate balance between politicking and technocracy.

In the following excerpt from the full article is the crux of the debate:


"I want to ask: which should come first - democracy or development? Let me put it in a different way: will Nigeria only develop when we have true democracy or is it development that will give us true democracy? I have been involved in serious debates over this. One school of thought argues, quite convincingly, that until we have free and fair elections, Nigeria cannot develop. The logic is that when you know that you derive your legitimacy genuinely from the people and not through INEC manipulation, you will have a better incentive to perform in office so that you can face the people confidently. You are beholden to the people. You will work very hard to deliver the goods and flaunt your achievements as your credential for re-election. You are therefore naturally going to be accountable to the people. But if it is INEC or your party that rigged you into power, your "loyalty" is to INEC or your party. You owe the people nothing.

The second school argues that until we have development - that is, the majority of the people have access to water, electricity, healthcare, education, roads, jobs and generally enjoy a decent standard of living - genuine democracy will continue to elude us. This school is of the conviction that rigging is very easy in an atmosphere of poverty. Voters cannot reject those N500 notes. They sell their conscience at election times. Jobless young men readily make themselves available to be used as thugs and riggers. INEC officials and security agents are also vulnerable to inducement. This school concludes that if the standard of living improves dramatically, the gospel of democracy can be well received by the people. We can then have free and fair elections and enjoy true democracy. Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State said as much recently." More...

Registration (it's free) is required to view the whole article. The comments (no registration required) also make for an interesting read.