Re: Democracy and the USA
There are theories on the foundations of democracy. Most of these things focus not on the vote, but the infrastructure of the country. Things that need to be in place before a "real vote" would be:
1) A free and fair election commission.
2) Relative freedom from voter intimidation and coercsion.
3) A relatively fair and honest court system to interpret election results.
4) Responsible political parties committed to political change rather than violent change.
5) Freedom from influence outside the country.
6) Candidates who represent responsible leadership, and who respect balanced rule.
7) A national constitution supported by the population as the highest law of the land.
8) A military that will honor the results of the election, and not intimidate or interfere in the political election.
9) A military that will obey the properly elected representatives.
10) A unified military, rather than a fractured military answerable to various commanders.
11) A populous that is ready to vote in large numbers.
12) A political and legal system which does not tacitly allow corruption on a wide scale.
Now there is no saying that all of these things must be in place and perfect, but the country must recognize that a sytem of checks and balances is essential, and that the rule of law is essential. The above list represents the most common reasons democracies fail. Now ask yourself is Pakistan ready?
I think the US would actively push for a Pakistani democracy, if and when the foundations for democracy are in place.