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International Day of Democracy
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About the Day
About democracy
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Accountability
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  About democracy

 

AN IDEAL AND A SET OF INSTITUTIONS AND PRACTICES

   
DEMOCRACY

Democracy is both an ideal and a set of institutions and practices. As an ideal, it expresses two very simple principles:
  • that the members of any group or association should have control over the group's rules and policies; and
  • that those members should treat each other, and be treated, as equals.
In modern States, these principles are realized through a continually evolving and complex set of institutions and practices that include:
  • a legal framework that guarantees peoples' rights
  • governing institutions that are representative and accountable to the people
  • an active citizen body or civil society
  • political parties that articulate the views and aspirations of the people
  • communication media that inform people about public affairs
 

The word, democracy, comes from two Greek words: demos, which means "the people", and kratein, which means "to rule". This "rule by the people" was first practised in Greece in the sixth century BC and has been evolving as a system of government ever since. Throughout history, democracies have flourished, been threatened or replaced by authoritarian rule only to re-emerge in societies all over the world today.

The involvement of the people in the public affairs of their countries is more likely than any other form of government to ensure basic freedoms and equality, meet the needs of everyone and preserve or restore peace.

The ultimate goal of democracy is to preserve and promote the dignity and fundamental rights of the individual, to achieve social justice, foster the economic and social development of the community, strengthen the cohesion of society and build a propitious environment for international peace. Democracy, development and human rights are therefore interdependent.

In a democracy, human rights are promoted and protected so that we all, no matter our race, gender, personal belief or style of life, can participate in formulating the laws and policies to which we are subject. These human rights include the right to express ourselves freely, to associate freely with others, and to choose our representatives in free and fair elections.

In a democracy, people play an active role in political and civic life. We express our will through regular free and fair elections. Voting in a democracy must be universal, equal and secret so that each of us can choose our representatives freely. Education and vibrant communications media are vital to be able to make an informed choice. But our role as active citizens does not end after we cast our ballots; we must be continually engaged in public affairs so that the government can be aware of and respond to our needs.

In a democracy, where all citizens are respected as equals, women have as important a role to play as men. While women make up just over half of the world's population, fewer than one in five members of parliament around the world are women. Societies are more equitable and democracy is stronger when women participate in all aspects of political life.

 

TEN THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DEMOCRACY

Questions People often ask questions about democracy. We have tried to provide answers to some of the most frequently asked ones. Click on the question to open or close the respective answer box.

 

IPU AND DEMOCRACY

Universal Declaration on Democracy Established in 1889, the Inter-Parliamentary Union is the world organization of parliaments. The IPU promotes democracy, in particular by strengthening the institution of parliament.

It was in September 1997 that the Inter-Parliamentary Union adopted a Universal Declaration on Democracy. That Declaration affirms the principles of democracy, the elements and exercise of democratic government, and the international scope of democracy.

Over the years, the IPU has helped to develop democratic principles of governance and international standards for free and fair elections, and has helped to establish parliamentary systems in more than 50 countries. It has developed guidelines for good practices in parliaments, and methods for assessing parliamentary performance.

The Organization also assists the more than 40,000 parliamentarians around the world in representing their constituents freely and safely. In 1976, the IPU founded its Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, which investigates violations of these rights. The IPU also encourages women's participation in political life and monitors their progress in politics around the world. In doing so, the IPU has become the recognized authority in this field.

In addition, the IPU encourages parliamentary involvement in international relations and promotes parliamentary diplomacy through its twice-yearly Assemblies, at which parliamentarians from around the world meet to exchange views and take positions on issues of immediate global concern.

WHAT IS A DEMOCRATIC PARLIAMENT?

A democratic parliament is one that is:

Representative, which means that it reflects, as closely as possible, the social and political diversity of the population, encourages the full participation of women, and ensures equal rights and protections for all of its members so that they can freely exercise their mandate

Transparent, which means that it works in a way that the public can see, either directly or through communication media, such as print or electronic news organizations

Accessible, which means that the public, including associations and movements of civil society, can be involved in its work

Accountable, which means that there are opportunities for voters to hold members of parliament to account for their performance in office and integrity of conduct

Effective, which means that parliament's work, which encompasses not only domestic law-making and oversight but also the increasingly important realm of international relations, must be well organized to ensure that it serves the needs of the whole population.

A PARLIAMENT DOES NOT GUARANTEE DEMOCRACY, BUT THERE CAN BE NO DEMOCRACY WITHOUT A PARLIAMENT
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