Democracy at Work: A Comparative Study of the Caribbean State

Abstract

Notwithstanding the challenges of poverty and a political economy of underdevelopment, the post-colonial State in the Commonwealth Caribbean has been able to sustain a consistent record of commitment to democracy, ‘free and fair’ elections and open party electoral competition. However, the dominant view that the Caribbean represents an oasis of democratic stability in the developing world has suffered irreparable damage given widespread corruption, institutional inertia, open challenge to the State and clear structural deficiencies even while elections are conducted in an atmosphere of seeming freeness and fairness. It is clear therefore that democracy is under challenge in the region and that inadequate attention has been paid to bolstering its democratic content. However, recent decisions by the judicial system against sitting prime ministers and governments portend well for the overall health of democracy in the region in spite of its numerous challenges. Further, democratic consolidation is evident given the efforts that have been made to correct some of the democratic deficits.

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