Democratic countries have celebrated the "International Day of Democracy" on 15th September. The purpose of the day was to promote the principles of democracy and to raise public awareness about democracy. The day provides international community an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world.
The UN general assembly decided on November 8, 2007, to make September 15 as the annual date to observe the International Day of Democracy. The assembly invited people and organisations, both government and non-government, to commemorate the International Day of Democracy. It also called for all governments to strengthen their national programmes devoted to promote and consolidate democracy. The assembly encouraged regional and other intergovernmental organisations to share their experiences in promoting democracy.
The International Day of Democracy was first celebrated in 2008. The UN general assembly recognised that the year 2008 marked the 20th anniversary of the first International Conference of New or Restored Democracies, which gave people a chance to focus on promoting and consolidating democracy world-wide.
Democracy means participation of the people in decision-making. Abraham Lincoln defines democracy as "a government of the people, for the people and by the people."
Democracy and human rights
A true functional democracy ensures its citizens freedom, equal opportunities, the greatest prosperity, and the most comfortable life. It discourages individual power. "The ultimate goal of democracy is to preserve and promote the dignity and fundamental rights of the individual, achieve social cohesion and justice, foster economic and social development to ensure social stability and well-being."
A democratic country facilitates its citizens to think, speak, and do what they wish within law and without disturbing the rights of others. They can freely practice their religious beliefs and customs. Longer the duration of the democracy, better will be the human rights performance of a country. Studies of compliance with international law suggest that democratic states have greater respect for their international legal obligations because they have experience with the rule of law at the domestic level. A true democratic government concentrates to promulgate public policies for the benefits of its citizens and for the development of the country.
Elections and democracy
The people of a democratic country choose their representatives by means of elections. These representatives form a government. Therefore, election in a democratic country is a very important requirement of the democracy. By means of elections, people transfer their power to the elected members to form government. An election is a political contract between the rulers and citizens. There is no imagination of democracy without fair and free elections. "A ballot paper is not just a piece of paper; it is a very powerful weapon. It changes a government without shedding even a drop of blood."
Young people and democracy
This year the day of the democracy theme was "engaging young people in promulgation of democracy." If they get proper guidance no doubt, Today's young citizens are tomorrow's leaders and decision makers. It is a well-known fact that a true functional democracy involves the significant participation of youth. Young people have fresh ideas, new thinking, and much to offer the community.
Democratic societies stress the importance of youth participation in democratic process to "Promote peace, manage conflict, and foster transition to democracy - as young people can help build bridges across communities and contribute to more just and peaceful societies."
United Nations Secretary General Ban ki Moon in his message for the International Day of Democracy said, "As we observe this year's International Day of Democracy, the world seems more turbulent than ever. In many regions and in many ways, the values of the United Nations, including some of the most fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the UN Charter, are being tested and challenged.I call on members of the largest generation of youth in history to confront challenges and consider what you can do to resolve them. To take control of your destiny and translate your dreams into a better future for all. To contribute to building stronger and better democratic societies. To work together, to use your creative thinking, to become architects of a future that leaves no one behind. To help set our world on course for a better future. On this International Day of Democracy, I call on young people everywhere to lead a major push for inclusive democracy around the world".
Democracy and dictatorship
Democracy and dictatorship are two contradictory political ideologies. Dictatorship, leads the way of totalitarian. Public opinion is severely suppressed and all decisions making power falls in the hand of a dictator. It is a well-known fact that the authoritarian rule not only wipes out the political institutions within the country but also destroys the country's image in the world.
On the other hand, every individual of a community exercises supreme power in democracy. Democracy is a form of government based on the consent of the people. The people have power to change the government. Therefore, democracy is called public opinion-oriented government.
Despite the fact that democracy in Pakistan is not deep-rooted, people of Pakistan support the democratic structures and institutions, such as parliaments, local councils, election commissions and independent judiciary because democracy is a key condition for living in dignity and freedom.
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