Democracy, as we see it, is not just a term but an entire process in itself that mandates absolute involvement of citizens, governmental bodies as well as the civil society through which the true supremacy of democracy can be realised by all. In a true state of democracy, citizens are the ones who assume an active role in their governmental activities by casting their vote, thus, enabling the right of representation to everyone, globally.
When we live in a so-called free society, we tend to take our freedoms for granted. Hence, we deeply worry over the possibility of our freedoms being taken away. Even the idea of losing these freedoms makes us feel nervous thanks to the inconceivably fathomless tasks that situation would make us confront.
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On November 8, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution officially proclaiming the annual observance of September 15 as the International Day of Democracy. This day was first commemorated by the United Nations in 2008, marking the 20th anniversary of the First International Conference of the New or Restored Democracies.
On this day, organisations and individuals across the world come together to introspect on the status of democracy and conduct events to raise awareness pertaining to the idea of democracy. The annual commemoration of this day specifically focuses on a theme that is usually suggested by the United Nations. The theme for 2022 is “Protecting Press Freedom for Democracy.”
Most of us are aware that we are part of a democratic nation, but we lack the true knowledge of what democracy, as a whole, brings to the table. Hence, it is about time for us to get wholeheartedly involved in the celebration of this International Day of Democracy. This year, the centre of attention of this day would be on the importance of media freedom to democracy, peace and its impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As we already know, an independent media is the key to a successful democracy as it disseminates essential information to the general public and enables it to make informed decisions. Thus, when the freedom of the press is threatened, the flow of data is muffled, consequent to which journos are faced with multiple challenges in functioning freely which in turn, leads to the hampering of democracy!
As members of a democracy, it is our duty to vote. However, we must make sure that we do so only after being fully informed. Therefore, one should make an effort to gather knowledge about the political candidates that contest elections before casting the vote wisely. The vote must work as an optimistic call towards advancement of the society and democracy at large. It has to make a difference.
What is of utmost importance is that, as individual members of a democratic society, we must understand the power that the vote possesses. It gives a voice to the citizens of a nation and allows them to bring changes that they feel are the need of the hour. Having a democratic variation creates the space for new fiscal models to develop which in turn place the world on the path of modernisation and perfection.
Democracy bases itself on the foundation of equality – one person, one vote, and hands over the ultimate weapon of “change” into the hands of its people and hence, when times are good, citizens have the power to maintain a status quo. However, if the tides are stormy, it is up to the people to reverse them!
At the end of the day, let us strengthen the core belief of democracy which is full-fledged participation from its people. Let us view this day as an opportunity to celebrate the role of the people and appreciate their efforts towards building a sturdy democracy.
