The paradox of representative democracy in a diverse and multicultural society with a myriad of minority groups lies in the challenge of ensuring fair representation and equal participation for all individuals and groups.

On one hand, representative democracy aims to uphold the principle of majority rule, wherein decisions are made by elected representatives who reflect the preferences of the majority. However, in a society with diverse cultural, ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds, this approach may inadvertently marginalize minority groups, leading to their voices being overlooked or ignored

The paradox deepens when we consider that representative democracy also seeks to protect the rights and interests of individuals and minority groups, ensuring that their perspectives are considered and their concerns are addressed. This requires creating mechanisms that enable meaningful participation and representation for these individuals and groups, even if their numbers are relatively small.

Balancing these two objectives can be complex. If the majority's interests are solely prioritized, it risks marginalizing and excluding minority voices, potentially leading to feelings of disenfranchisement and social divisions. On the other hand, if the focus solely shifts to minority representation, it may undermine the principle of majority rule and the democratic mandate of elected officials.

To effectively implement representative democracy in these contexts, several considerations come into play.

It is crucial to foster diverse representation in political institutions, ensuring that elected representatives reflect the multicultural nature of the society. This can involve measures such as promoting minority representation, encouraging participation from underrepresented communities, and adopting fair electoral systems that facilitate the election of candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Cosmopolitan states often have minority groups that require special attention and protection. Representative democracy should be designed to safeguard the rights and interests of these groups, ensuring they have a voice and are not marginalized in the decision-making process. This may involve specific legislative measures, affirmative action policies, or consultation mechanisms.

Promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding is essential in a cosmopolitan state. It allows for the exchange of ideas, the recognition of shared values, and the resolution of conflicts through peaceful means. Representative democracy should encourage platforms for dialogue, public consultations, and the inclusion of diverse perspectives in policy discussions.

In order for representative democracy to thrive in a diverse society, it is crucial to foster civic education and engagement among all members of society. This includes providing opportunities for political participation, encouraging voter turnout, and promoting civic values that respect diversity and inclusivity.

In intra-party politics, specifically in the selection of elected officials within a party, it raises an interesting question about the democratic nature of representative democracy. While representative democracy traditionally emphasizes the election of officials by the citizens, intra-party dynamics often involve party members selecting their representatives through internal processes, such as party conventions or internal elections.

In this context, the democratic nature of politics can be seen as both a strength and a potential challenge. On the one hand, it allows party members to have a say in shaping their party's direction and selecting representatives who align with their values and priorities. This can enhance internal party democracy and ensure that elected officials are accountable to their party members.

However, it is important to note that intra-party decision-making processes may not always fully reflect the broader democratic principles of representative democracy. Internal party structures and dynamics can vary significantly, and the level of minority representation, inclusivity, transparency, and fairness in these processes can differ from one party to another.

In some cases, intra-party politics can be criticized for being opaque, exclusive, or susceptible to undue influence from party elites or factions. This can raise concerns about the representativeness and accountability of elected officials within the party.

Notwithstanding, in the context of intra-party politics, epecially in some countries with “list systems” where political representation is often based on delegates selected by special committees after nominations,representative democracy often fails the test of representative democracy. This is because the first ten selected names are often not representative. This is the reason why representations in parliaments, regional assemblies or municipal councils often not reflects the reality of cosmopolitant societies.

Ultimately, the paradox of representative democracy in a diverse and multicultural society, including intra-party politics, requires a delicate balance between majority rule and the protection of minority rights and representation, while fostering an inclusive and participatory environment where all voices are heard and respected. The democratic nature of a political system depends on how well its internal processes align with the broader principles of representative democracy. By fostering internal democracy, representative governments and parties can strengthen their legitimacy and credibility, and in turn, enhance the democratic nature of representative democracy as a whole. 

By Joshua Ndip Ako, MSc. Political Science; MA Communication for Development. Member of Social Democratic Party Sweden.