What is true democracy? When a president becomes elected with whom we do not agree, we simply say, "I did not vote that way, but I am stuck with the Majority's decision until the next election." However, this idea of democracy cannot be applied to every situation.
Last week Switzerland voted with a majority to no longer allow the building of minarets on mosques. A minaret is a distinct architectural feature of a mosque comparable to say the church bell towers of the famous European cathedrals.
Though the people voted and the ban was passed, is this true democracy when the country's very own constitution states in the second article, "The Swiss Federation protects the liberty and rights of the people...It promotes common welfare, sustainable development, inner cohesion, and cultural diversity of the country. It ensures the highest possible degree of equal opportunities for all citizens." (1)
What is true democracy? Allowing people to vote and living with the majority? Or is the voice of the minority just as important as all the others?
(1) English Translation of the Swiss Federation Constitution, http://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/sz00000_.html December 9, 2009
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