It was only our second official class meeting and we were fortunate enough to be visited by Anne Pitcher, the author of our text, Transforming Mozambique: The Politics and Privatization, 1975-2000. Although there was much excitement in the air, I was a bit nervous to be in the presence of a scholarly writer. And it just so happened that I was one of the first to enter the room while Ms. Pitcher was already present setting up and ready to go. She immediately calmed my nerves by letting me know that the yellow fever vaccination was not essential for Mozambique. I also found Professor Pitcher very down to earth, eagerly sharing her experiences with our class and sharing tips for our upcoming travels. I don't know about my classmates, but I am most definitely setting aside money for shrimp at the restaurant Professor Pitcher hinted towards multiple times! Professor Pitcher's presentation about Mozambique's poitical history was also very understandable and engaging.

One thing that particularly stood out in my mind was the fact that Professor Pitcher mentioned that in the 3rd democratic election in 2004, there was a successful transfer of power within Frelimo to Armando Guebuza for the presidency. The very first time I was introduced to this project, it was mentioned that President Joaquim Chissano was a successful former president of Mozambique who was elected for two terms consequtively, after which he decided to step down. Soon after meeting with Professor Pitcher, I read a piece by Carrie Manning in which it says that the Mozambican constitution states that the maximum number of terms a president can serve is two years. Professor Pitcher, knowing about our anticipated visit with former President Chissano, thought it would be interesting to (politely) inquire why President Chissano stepped down after two terms. I am now very much interested in finding out why he really decided to end his presidency- it may just be that he truly was just abiding by constitutional regulations. Professor Pitcher also mentioned that governments and politcal figures usually want to consolidate any and all power. And this is something I have witnessed in my home country of Pakistan.

What is the meaning of “Democracy” for me?

I think Robert Dahl said it best- that “democracy” has meant different things to different people at different times and places. For me, the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about democracy is not the institution and procedures, but rather the outcomes. Freedoms and liberties are one goal of democracy, and the institutions are a way to achieve these goals. I feel that the protection of our individual rights, such as the freedoms of speech, religion, and assembly are all necessary for a truly democratic government. Here in the United States, we are fortunate enough to have such individual freedoms, and actually be able to practice them. We are made aware of our individual freedoms from a very young age and though many politicians across the globe promise them, and many constitutions state them, there is a multitude of nations containing individuals whose rights have not always been granted.

Even if individuals in developing nations might not understand the institutional procedures of democracy, I feel that there is a human desire which may create support for democracy as a way to achieve these goals. I feel the people in Mozambique feel the same. The results of an Afrobarometer survey indicate that people in Africa associate deomcracy with the system of electoral college, but know that there is more too it. The real meaning of democracy for these people lies in what it produces-freedom, rights, and liberty. Even in poorer nations such as Zambia and Malawi- with low literacy levels, living standards, and limited access to media-most citizens refer to rights and liberties when questioned about democracy. Also, as mentioned in Democracy-A View from the Village by Maxwell Owusu, “we now know . . .  that free and fair elections must be linked with reasonable economic security for every citizen.” I feel Mozambicans appreciate the ability to voice their opinions, but do not wish to compromise their security while doing so. Election time can stir many civil conflicts, and this is probably one aspect of the democratic process that Mozambicans, as well as citizens of other nations experiencing similar difficulties, wish they could all together avoid and still be able to get to the end result of attaining individuals freedoms and liberties.