September 16, 2019

Is global democracy on trial?

topic:	Human Rights
editor:	Bob Koigi

Despite years of fighting for political participation, inclusion and good governance that have birthed modern-day states, these hard won gains are quickly being eroded as governments across the world increasingly pay lip service to the tenets that are pivotal for any functioning democracy.

From the arbitrary arrests and detention without trial of journalists and civil society members in Africa and harassment of protestors in China, to the gross misrepresentation of women in the political process, the 21st century democratic space is currently at its worst. Yet democracy is about the people and the respect for their voices as espoused in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that avers ‘the will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government.’

And as the world celebrates International Day of Democracy this September, the poignant reminder is that true and functional democracy is anchored on the dialogue between civil society and the political class, which translates into decisions that respect the rights of all while accommodating diverse opinions. This is true as long as giving room for proper accountability mechanisms that not only keep governments of the day in check but also celebrate their service to the people take place.

Such are the basics that will move us from the situation we find ourselves in – which the United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has aptly captured. He said, “The International Day of Democracy takes place at a time when trust is low and anxiety is high. People are frustrated by growing inequalities and unsettled by sweeping changes from globalization and technology. They see conflicts going unresolved, a climate emergency going unanswered, injustice going unaddressed and civic space shrinking."

Photo ©iStockphoto.com/Richard Goerg