"But democracy isn't a state of perfection. It has to be improved, and that means constant vigilance"

Democracy is often idealized as the best form of government, yet perfection is not its defining quality. Instead, it is a living system shaped by human values, ambitions, and flaws. Perfection is static, a final destination reached and left alone. Democracy, by contrast, requires ongoing engagement from its citizens. Its strength lies not in being an unchanging ideal, but in its capacity for self-reflection, debate, and adaptation to new challenges.

Every society faces changes, cultural shifts, emerging technologies, and unforeseen crises, and the systems that govern them must also evolve. This adaptability stems from vigilance, a watchful care and a readiness to address abuses, failures, or shortcomings as they appear. A democratic system that is not monitored or challenged becomes susceptible to decay. Corruption, apathy, and manipulation are slow-moving threats that, if unchecked, can undermine the very freedoms and rights that democracy is supposed to protect.

Active participation ensures that the voices of the many, not just the powerful few, continue to influence the direction of society. Improvements in democracy are born from protest, advocacy, voting, and the everyday discussions in homes and public forums. Constructive criticism is not a sign of weakness but of health in a democracy; disagreement is how pluralism thrives and how flaws are identified.

Ultimately, to improve democracy is to acknowledge that injustice and inequality can never be wholly eradicated, they must instead be confronted again and again. Constant vigilance means more than just observing, it requires taking responsibility as citizens, engaging in civic life, and refusing to take rights and privileges for granted. Freedom and justice depend on the willingness of ordinary people to guard them. Democracy, then, is a promise renewed by each generation, not a treasure locked away in the vault of history but a project always demanding care, action, and hope.