Political intolerance as a clog in the wheel of democratic governance: The way forward

Abstract

This paper synoptically discusses the concept of political (in)tolerance and its implication on any
democratic setting alongside with the concept of governance. Against this background, it argues that
most African states took over from centralized and unrepresentative colonial ethnic and religious
separatism – tribalism – and become victims to centrifugal aspirations of ambitious politicians
speaking in the name of ethnic, religious and regional minorities (Esman, 1997). This monocratic
political order (which derives from the Hobbesian notion/conception of the state) not only failed as a
system but led to serious in tolerance and in some cases disastrous consequences for the economy
and people of Africa (Olowu, 1995). And as a result, enormous amount of money is being spent
worldwide on questions of political tolerance. Political intolerance and lack of debate, according to
literature, had caused retardation in ideas, innovation, creativity and growth of political consciousness
among people due to the fear of misconception of such ideas by their political opponents or fellow
comrades. This makes democratic transitions arduous thereby threatening the consolidation of
democracy. Political tolerance is not easy to practice. However, its exercise, without jettisoning social
justice or the abandonment or weakening of one's conviction will promote a culture of political
pluralism. This, without any controversies, will guarantee peace and harmony which is a cornerstone of
democratic consolidation. For democratic engine to be well propelled, regardless of any strategy, the
best public policy should arise out of citizens’ willingness to imbibe positive values as well as any other
attribute and be ready to tolerate the expression of a plurality of political opinions, including those
different to their own. This is essential because, instrumental to good democratic governance is human
beings with positive values and other dimensions of human performance that enable social, economic
and political institutions to function and remain functional, over time (Adjibolosoo, 1995).

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