Will Vietnam’s future be well-served by a democratic government?
Ho Chi Minh, who formed the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) in 1930, is the leader of a communist country with a one-party system. The communist party of Vietnam has ruled the country since 1976 and is the only political governing party. It is now directed by General Secretary and Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong, and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.
As has been demonstrated over time, the Communist Party violates significant human rights, including freedom of expression and movement in the state, as well as unfair arrest and conviction of government critics, substantial acts of corruption, and citizens’ inability to peacefully change their government through electoral process. Many political groups, such as the People’s Action Party (PAP), the Vietnam Populist Party, and Block 8406, are working to turn the country into a democratic state with a multi-party system, free and fair elections, and prosper one.
However, this has been long debated that, Will vietnam’s future be well served by a democratic government? In answering that different scholars gives distinct opinions.
Vietnam, in my opinion, will not keep improving by becoming a democracy. The following are some of the reasons:
- Democracy is not necessarily associated with peace: Democracy is regarded as the ideal form of governance in the modern world, yet it does not always bring good to the countries to which it is implemented, and it can turn a peaceful society into chaos and unrest. Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and other countries locked in democratic states, such as many African countries, are examples. As a result, if not handled carefully, Vietnam may become chaotic.
- The Communist Party’s Excellency: Vietnam is still heading in the right direction. It should only change their path if they are unable to progress. However, the Vietnamese government is currently doing an excellent job of creating and growing the country. I believe that, as a result of the Doi Moi reforms, Vietnam is well on its way to become the next “manufacturing hub” in the not-too-distant future.
- Ideological differences may resurface: In the past, there were variations in Vietnam’s economy between capitalism and communism. The northern section supported a communist economic system, whereas the southern part supported a capitalist economic system. Despite the fact that Vietnam is now united, there are still significant differences between North and South Vietnam. If Vietnam becomes a democratic country, these divisions will widen, and the society will become more polarised. People from the north and south will become increasingly hostile to one another. The public is already unsatisfied with the expense allocation and distribution among the provinces. Since reunion, Vietnam has done an excellent job of bringing people together and reducing enmity between the North and the South. However, many people, particularly the older generation, still harbour bitterness, intolerance, and mistrust of people from other parts of the country. This will undoubtedly be amplified under a democratic system.
- The high risk of civil war: There is a substantial risk of civil war if democracy is implemented. Many countries are eager to take advantage of Vietnam’s divisions and conflicts in order to achieve their own interests. Vietnam is a large country with all of the characteristics essential for insurgents, rebels, and militias to develop. Instead of being a tourist destination, Vietnam might become a haven for insurgents, with bursting mines and guerrilla groups.
- Vietnam’s lack of development: Democracy, in my opinion, is a byproduct of development rather than a primary goal. Some countries, such as India and Pakistan, have constructed democratic systems, although they are still developing. Countries like Singapore and South Korea, on the other hand, built their systems on authoritarianism and then developed into democratic governments. As a way, after a few years of progress, Vietnam may become democratic on its own will, according to the Communist Party’s strategy. It is exceedingly suspicious of turning Vietnam into a democracy while the country is still underdeveloped, has a weak military, is divided into dividing regions, has a cultural gap, and borders an economic powerhouse that is fighting with the world’s largest economy for first place.
People believe that economic growth is simple. It isn’t the case. To move a country from a low-income to a high-income status, strict decisions and determination are required. This cannot be accomplished in a dynamic, unpredictable political atmosphere with divergent political interests and a biased viewpoint.
It is said that it makes no difference whether a cat is black or white as long as it catches mice. So, whether a government is democratic or not, it can only be judged by how well it does its job in a sort of manner that the overwhelming majority of people agree with.
Kalsoom Mustafa,
Political Science student
International Islamic University
