How have the Philippines and Indonesia become more democratic in recent decades?

Question

The military led coups to seize power.
Dictators imposed new constitutions.
Civil wars divided the countries between governments.
Popular movements demanded and won elected governments.

Answer 1

In recent decades, both the Philippines and Indonesia have made significant strides towards becoming more democratic through popular movements that demanded and eventually won elected governments. These movements played a crucial role in shaping political landscapes in both countries.

In the Philippines, the People Power Revolution of 1986 marked a turning point in the country's democratic journey. The peaceful uprising led by a coalition of civil society groups and the Catholic Church successfully ousted President Ferdinand Marcos, who had ruled the country in an authoritarian manner for more than two decades. This movement paved the way for the restoration of democracy and the adoption of a new constitution that sought to promote democratic principles and institutions.

Similarly, Indonesia was under the authoritarian rule of President Suharto for over three decades before a popular movement brought about significant democratic reforms. In 1998, mass protests erupted across the country, fueled by political and economic dissatisfaction, leading to Suharto's resignation. This movement, often referred to as the Reformasi movement, created an opportunity for democratic reforms, including the adoption of a new constitution that strengthened democratic principles and institutions.

Although military-led coups and dictators imposing new constitutions played a role in the countries' history, these events did not directly contribute to their recent democratic advancements. Civil wars dividing the countries between governments also did not play a significant role in their democratic progress. The shift towards democracy in both the Philippines and Indonesia was primarily driven by popular movements that demanded and eventually achieved elected governments.