Maybe a constitution...
is the answer. Some basic human rights need ro be spelled out but the form of government should be of their own choosing.
Germany and Japan were industrialized nations and their governments had a history of being secular. The Phillipines is a better example of what you are saying but still a different type of culture and democracy has been a little spotty there.
Don't get me wrong I am all for a democracy but I would also like to get out of there in this century.