Should military personnel be banned from running for public office?

Question

In many countries in the world, being a member of the military is legally incompatible with running for public office, without first having retired from the military for a period of time (6 months to a year prior is roughly the period I've seen most). You often find this kind of regulation in states that have previously experienced military dictatorships.

I'm asking about this topic generally, not just in the case of the US. Your opinions? Please give a good, well-reasoned argument to support your opinion (that is, stupid answers benefit no one--so let's keep it civil and intelligent, folks).

My opinion before I choose the best answer:
When I see this kind of rule in constitutions and electoral laws, it's usually put there as a symbolic gesture: it acknowledges that even though the military has the power to abrogate the law, the democratic process should always be respected.

It's important to remember that most military dictatorships (whether originally elected or not) maintain power through force, rather than through the democratic process. So, it's these weak institutions that create problems, not just the fact that the military leaders have the power and backing of the armed forces. Constitutions and laws don't mean anything if you're keeping your power through the threat of the use of force.

So, to sum up: I understand why this incompatibility has been built into many democratic institutions, but I don't think that it's what's going to prevent a military dictatorship. To me, it seems somewhat unnecessary.

Answer 1

I don't think so. I think people should show they respect the constitution and democracy. The armed forces include non-democratic and democratic people alike (and so does the civilian world). I wouldn't mind if a military man were a candidate, as long as he showed he strongly supports democracy. As a matter of fact the greatest politician in Argentina during the 20th century was a military man: Juan Domingo Perón. You can think whatever you want about him, in favour or against him, but it is a fact he was elected three times to be the president of Argentina, and all three times, there was no doubt that he had people's support. Never mind he used to be in the armed forces, even in a dictatorship.

Answer 2

Hmmm. I don't really think that recent military service alone would be justification why someone could not hold office. I do think that people that vote need to do some research and base who to vote for off of that. Too many people only hear biased opinions and don't look for the facts, or they don't look at all and just vote arbitrarilly or not at all. Although I may think differently if I had experienced life in a military dictatorship. Interesting question.

Answer 3

Generally speaking, a military person would not be able to run for public office because they already have a full-time job, i.e., the military. Now if it is a public office, like mayor of the local town, and it only takes a few hours a week of their time...maybe. For higher office, I think the person should retire/separate from the service to dedicate themselves to their new job. But beyond that, there should be no restrictions anymore than there should be for any other career field.

Answer 4

in my country, the constitution says that "CIVILIAN authorities shall have the power over the military" it means that ALL civilian officials shall not be under any military members. thats why our president is a civilian and the commander-in-chief of our armed forces. This clause will enable our society to safeguard our rights and not be subjected to military laws thats why we have a civilian for a judge and members of the judiciary. the only political activity our soldiers are entitled to is to vote in election other than that all actions would be unconstitutional.

Answer 5

I don't think so. As long as the government is the entity endorsing wars anyway, why not have some experience in carrying them out? The case could be made that someone from the military would be more conflict-minded, but it might be equalled by the argument that they have a keener awareness of patriotism.

Answer 6

In the U.S. you can't because we don't want the military to run this country. Military law is so much different then civilian law. We want to keep it that way.

Answer 7

I think this kinda defeats the a free society if fighting for your country rules you out of running for public office.

i think the world would be better of certain world leaders had actually experienced conflict before they send other peoples kids into battle. (i am not knocking bush)

Answer 8

No because a person should not lose any rights simply for participating in the military.

Answer 9

in my opinion ,once a soldier always a soldier, so military personnel are incapable of running public offices.