Pillars of democracy can rightly be defined as the framework, platform, structure and/or foundation upon which democracy is advanced built and sustained.
Pillars of democracy are the bedrock of democratic practice, which must be in place and effective to help promote and sustain democracy in any country in the world. Pillars of democracy could be institutions, persons, beliefs, values or practices on which the practice of democracy stands, operates and thrives.
Pillars of democracy could also mean the basic ideals, tenets and/or institutional framework upon which the practice of democracy (wolves. They are the basic structures or features which serve as the bedrock on which any democratic government operates. Some of the major pillars of democracy are listed here below:
1. Constitution
2. The people (citizens)
3. Rule of Law
4. Press Freedom
5. Arms of Government: executive, legislature and judiciary.
6. Enforcement Agencies: Armed Forces, Police etc.
7. Democratic Institutions; e.g. political parties, electoral body (INEC)
8. Political education
9. Civil society
10. Accountability and Responsible Stewardship
11. Transparent electoral process