Journal of African Studies and Sustainable Development

Democracy is seen as a system of government in which the supreme power is vested on the people and exercise by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free and fair elections. This paper critically examines the concept of liberal democracy in the political philosophy of John Stuart Mill, with particular emphasis on its relationship to man's common good which would lead to society's growth and betterment. Mill's ideology of liberal democracy built on some major ideas like; first, on the issue of representative government and second on the question of individual liberty and also on Utilitarian ethics, seeks to reconcile individual freedom with collective social welfare. Hence, in his work on Liberty, he advocated the rights of all human beings especially for those of women which demonstrate an attempt to balance democratic inclusion of all in the society. With this, he was recorded in 1866 to be the first person to call on women being given the right to vote. Central to his theory is the idea of political participation as an educative process, together with his controversial stands and proposal for plural voting, which allocates more electoral weight to greater educated persons. The study employs the method of analysis in exploring Mill's idea on democratic governance in the human society. The research reveals Mill's argument that political institutions should not merely secure political order rather should also promote the moral, civic and intellectual advancement of individuals within the confine of the society. His theory on liberal democracy therefore views the common good as the harmonious integration of public welfare, social progress and the individual's personal liberty. The paper evaluates as well the contemporary relevance of Mill's liberal democratic ideals to human rights, modern civic engagement, social justice and democratic accountability. Therefore, not minding that some aspects of his theory requires urgent and critical reinterpretation to address total inclusivity, participatory governance and equality in today's increasing pluralistic societies, we, however, see a democrat and an ardent defender of democracy at all cost, who stood for peace, equality, harmony, individual's rights and freedom, minorities adequate representation and for a better future for all.

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