“The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.”
–article 21(iii) universal declaration of human rights
In 2007 the United Nations General Assembly resolved to observe 15 September as the International Day of Democracy—with the purpose of promoting and upholding the principles of democracy. The International Day of Democracy provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world.
The values of freedom, respect for human rights and the principle of holding periodic and genuine elections by universal suffrage are essential elements of democracy. In turn, democracy provides the natural environment for the protection and effective realization of human rights.
Every year the UN Assembly takes up a new theme for the democracry day and the 2016 theme of the International Democracry day is -2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development — a plan for achieving a better future for all, laying out a path over 15 years to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and protect our planet.
What difference does democracy makes in our lives?
Compared with authoritarian regimes, whether they be based on a controlling military, a single party, a ruling family, a personalized dictatorship, or some combination of these, democracies can claim significant advantages for their citizens:
Ensuring basic freedoms
In a democracy, people are able to think, say and do what they wish within the law and with respect for others, to practise their beliefs and to live the kind of life they choose. Free societies have always facilitated artistic innovation, scientific enquiry and philosophical speculation.
Meeting popular needs
The more influence ordinary people have over government policy through democratic channels, the more likely government will reflect their concerns and aspirations, and meet their basic needs.
Treating people equally
This basic democratic principle demands that the government attend to people’s interests equally in its policy and administration, without favour or discrimination. Although the practice may fall short of this standard, it is always open to improvement through campaigning by and on behalf of disadvantaged groups.
Solving disagreement or conflict through debate, persuasion and compromise.
The democratic emphasis on open debate assumes not only that there are differences of opinion and interest on most questions of policy, but that such differences have a right to be expressed and listened to. When such diversity finds expression, both open conflict and the resolution of differences is achieved through discussion, persuasion and compromise, rather than by the simple assertion of power.
Enabling societal renewal.
By providing for the routine and peaceful removal of politicians and policies that have failed or outlived their usefulness, democracies are able to ensure societal and generational renewal without the massive upheaval or disruption that attends the removal of key personnel in non-democratic regimes.
