From the U.N. to the E.U.: Strengthening Voices for Democracy

New York, N.Y.   Democracy is a universal value based on the freely expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems and their full participation in all aspects of their lives.

Malians cast their votes for the 2013 presidential elections at the

Ecole de la Republique in Bamako. Photo MINUSMA/Marco Dormino.

While democracies share common features, there is no single model of democracy. Activities carried out by the United Nations in support of efforts of Governments to promote and consolidate democracy are undertaken in accordance with the UN Charter, and only at the specific request of the Member States concerned.

The U.N. General Assembly, in resolution  A/62/7  (2007)  encouraged Governments to strengthen national programmes devoted to the promotion and consolidation of democracy, and also decided that 15 September of each year should be observed as the International Day of Democracy.

In the words of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

On this International Day of Democracy, I call on leaders to hear, respect and respond appropriately to the voices of the people, whether expressed directly or through elected representatives.

The subject of this year's theme - Strengthening Voices for Democracy - aims to shine a spotlight on the importance of people's voices, both expressed directly and through their elected representatives, in today's political, economic, social, developmental, environmental and technological debates. The ability of people to raise their voices and decide how they are governed lies at the heart of democracy.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union is promoting the  International Day of Democracy  through its Member Parliaments in 162 countries around the world.

Here is how Zambia is going to celebrate the International #DemocracyDay on 15 September 2013.

Zambian students, schoolchildren and civil society groups will talk to senior MPs on radio shows aired across the country. The discussions will be broadcast on parliamentary radio and 18 community radio stations over three days. A mobile roadshow will also give members of the public a chance to interact with MPs, helping them to understand the role of parliament and how they can engage with it.

The Zambian parliament has been one of the most consistent supporters of the International Day of Democracy since it began in 2008. It uses the Day to provide a forum for citizens’ ideas on how they can be heard more effectively.

Find out more events:  http://www.ipu.org/dem-e/ idd/events.htm   http://ow.ly/i/36r79 http://ow.ly/i/36r81

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