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Democracy is worth protecting — every day

Sep 15,2019 - Last updated at Sep 15,2019

By Sara Ferrer Olivella, Erik Ullenhag

Today we mark the International Day of Democracy. Inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its recognition that “the will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government”, this year’s focus is that, at its heart, democracy is about people and participation.

While far from perfect, democracy has proven to be the best way to build a strong society. It gives people the greatest opportunity to affect their society and their own lives. Beyond its promotion of economic stability and development, democracy contributes to peace and security and builds cohesion and loyalty.

The right to think, speak and choose for ourselves is something that we can never take for granted. In 2019, for the first time since the 1970s, more people in the world are living in countries with authoritarian tendencies than in countries making democratic progress.

Democracy is a constant process where people are also able to participate in and influence all stages of decision-making through effective dialogue, consultations and access to information. Meaningful participation needs an active civil society that has the space to mobilise and articulate the many different voices that need to be heard. In turn, this leads to building a peaceful, strong and inclusive society that enhances sustainable development, human rights and quality of life for all people. The connection between democracy and development is core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Goal 16, recognising the indivisible links between peaceful societies and effective, accountable and inclusive institutions.

But as we celebrate democracy, we also recognise that, around the world, trust in democratic institutions is low, and frustrations with traditional political processes are high. Efforts are needed to bridge the growing and deepening divide among people, as well as between people and the political establishments that represent them. In particular, it means making democracies more inclusive and responsive, and ensuring that governments and civil society together seek innovative tools to reinvigorate participation as the core element of building trust in a functioning democracy.

Here in Jordan, important efforts have been made to create ways for citizens to participate in democratic decision-making. Many municipal councils now work closely with their communities in deciding their budget priorities. Ministries now routinely involve civil society in consultative processes. Last week, Parliament hosted a forum for hundreds of stakeholders, including private sector leaders, to discuss how it should prioritise Jordan’s engagement on the Sustainable Development Goals. But there is further to go to increase public confidence in the way in which decisions are taken, including measures to make dialogue mechanisms more effective, more inclusive and more accountable.

Next year’s parliamentary elections will provide a genuine opportunity for progress to be made on participation. To boost historically low voter turnout, civic education efforts will need to target women and younger voters, who have routinely been less likely to use their right to vote. Of crucial importance is that policy and practical measures are taken to promote meaningful opportunities for women to participate as candidates and to be elected.

The UNDP and Sweden are committed to supporting Jordan in taking these steps and we join in with today’s message from UN Secretary General António Guterres in urging the government of Jordan to respect the right to active, substantive and meaningful participation; and in saluting all Jordanians who strive tirelessly to make this happen. Happy Democracy Day!

 

Sara Ferrer Olivella is UNDP resident representative.  Erik Ullenhag is the Swedish ambassador to Jordan. They contributed this article to The Jordan Times

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