The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD West Africa) has reaffirmed its commitment to the preservation and promotion of democracy.
The Director, CDD West Africa,
Idayat Hassan in a statement, in commemoration of the International Day of Democracy, reflected on the challenges democracy faces worldwide, while calling for the inclusion of more youth and women in the process of governance.
According to her, this year’s theme, “Empowering The Next Generation” highlights the vital role that young people play in advancing democracy and underscores the need to ensure equal opportunities for all to participate in democratic processes.
She said: “As we mark this occasion, we reflect on recent elections in Gabon, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria where citizens exercised their right to vote. While these elections are a testament to the enduring spirit of democracy, they were not without their challenges.
“For example, in Nigeria the opposition went to court to contest the victory of the incumbent party while in Gabon the military seized power claiming irregularities in the electoral process.
“We hope that these experiences serve as a reminder of the importance of continually improving democratic processes, ensuring that everyone is given equal opportunities to cast their ballots, and that human rights are fully respected.
“Furthermore, as we countdown to the forthcoming election in Liberia, we call on stakeholders to remain resolute in ensuring that the elections are free, fair and with fervent hope that it will embody the core tenets of democratic principles and values, and that the invaluable lessons gleaned from past electoral experiences will help in ensuring these polls are a shining example of inclusivity and transparency”.
Hassan explained that when democratic institutions are abused and disregarded, people find other means to seek legitimacy – and they are often unconstitutional, rash, and unsustainable.
She continued: “It is why we use this day to reflect on the challenges to democracy in states that have recently experienced coups – Burkina Faso, Gabon, Guinea, Mali and Niger. These actions have undermined the democratic progress that many in the region have worked tirelessly to achieve.
“CDD will continue to caution that a military takeover of the political and governance spaces would never be the solution to the challenges facing democratic governance and development on the African continent”.
CDD urged governments across the continent to implement good governance measure in a full respect of their constitutions, including term limits when applicable and the principles of the rule of law, and in alignment with international conventions to which they are signatories.
Speaking further, Hassan notes that good governance plays a vital role in sustaining a robust democracy beyond the electoral process.
“In the spirit of inclusivity, we emphasise the importance of empowering women and youth, and persons living with disability in the democratic process. Their participation is essential for building robust and representative democracies.
“Recent elections in Nigeria saw a concerning reduction in women elected to office, which does not bode well for a representative democracy. We urge governments, civil society organisations, and international partners to take meaningful steps to ensure that women and young people have equal access to political participation, leadership roles, and decision-making processes.
“Democracy is a shared responsibility, and its strength lies in the active engagement of all citizens. On this International Day of Democracy, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding democratic values, promoting inclusivity, and working together to overcome the challenges that threaten our shared democratic ideals.
“Together, we can build a brighter future where democracy flourishes, human rights are protected, and all voices are heard and valued”, she added.
The International Day of Democracy is celebrated across the world September 15 of every year.
Shedding more light on this year’s theme, the United Nations (UN) stated that young people are the current and future custodians of democracy.
It pointed out that an engaged, well-educated electorate is at the heart of strong democratic societies, adding that the creation of an environment in which young people feel their voice counts is crucial.
It said on its website that young people must navigate a world in which democracies are under threat from factors ranging from the proliferation of online mis- and disinformation, to rising populism, and the destabilizing effects of the climate crisis.
The UN explained that it is important everyone is able to meaningfully participate in the decisions that affect their lives now, and in years to come, adding that unresolved conflicts, the rising threat of climate change and financial turmoil pose a constant threat to democracies around the world.
On his part, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, on Friday, warned “the walls are closing in on civic spaces”.
In his message marking the day, the UN chief blames the current spread of mis- and disinformation that is “poisoning public discourse, polarizing communities, and eroding trust in institutions”.
Given the damaging effect that this flood of false information can have on young people, this year’s International Day of Democracy is dedicated to “Empowering the Next Generation” by focusing on the critical role of children and youngsters in ensuring democracy “today and in the future”, the UN chief added.
