Why do we need rights in a democracy?
Rights are very essential part for the very sustenance of a democracy. Without rights, democracy will become meaningless and ineffective.
For democratic elections, it is necessary that citizens should have the right to express their opinions, form political parties and take part in political activities.
Rights protect minorities from the oppression of majority. They ensure the majority cannot do whatever it likes.
The government is expected to protect citizen’s rights. But sometimes elected government may not protect or may even attack the rights of their own citizens. So, some rights need to be placed higher than the government so that it cannot violate them.