“Democracy is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people”, as stated by Abraham Lincoln; democracy can be defined as a form of government that depends on the people’s will.
The word democracy has a Greek origin, “demos” means the people, and “Kratos” means “power” and simply put, democracy is the power of the people.
Democracy had played a major role in the history of human civilization, transforming the world from political structures of monarchy, dictatorships and conquest into the popular rule, self-determination, and peaceful co-existence.
Every year on the 15th of September, countries all over the world celebrate the International Day of Democracy.
The International Day of Democracy was declared by the UN General Assembly in 2007 with the goal of promoting and defending democratic principles. All UN member nations and organizations were urged to observe the day in a way that would help to increase public awareness and urge countries to enhance and strengthen their democracy.
The day was established on the 20th anniversary of the First International Conference of the New or Restored Democracies which promoted global democracies.
On this day, people and organizations from all around the globe join forces to promote democracy and hold events to do so. These events include conferences, discussions, and debates as well as press conferences and publicity campaigns that involve the distribution of leaflets, posters, and flyers, many of which bear the UN logo. At the UN’s headquarters, significant ceremonies are held to honor the day.
Democracy and human rights are inseparably intertwined, and UN conventions on these topics are prominent on this commemorative day. Democracy is a state in which the people have fundamental rights, particularly the right to vote for and elect their government and to regulate themselves, rather than being ruled by a government over which they have no right to oppose, election, or protest. Lack of democracy can result in a lack of rights or a voice, which has an impact on human rights as specified by the UN.
As an end note would like to end the blog with this eye-opening quote by Franklin. D. Roosevelt,
“Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a president and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country”
