SUNIL VAID
Democracy is the government that has been elected by the people and it ensures the equality of all members of the society without discrimination. A democratic country chooses its leader in an independent way. The International Day of Democracy is observed every year on the 15th of September. In 2007 the United Nations General Assembly announced the International Day of Democracy on 15th September in order to promote and uphold the principles of Democracy. When freedom is absent, the life of a normal person is affected. Though India got its Independence in 1947, it became a democratic nation in the year 1950 and today
we are one of the largest and powerful democratic Nations of the World. What is Democracy: The World Democracy comes from Greek World “Demos”,
meaning people, and “Kratos” meaning power; so democracy can be thought of as “power of the people”: a way of governing which depends on the will of the people ,”of the people, by the people, for the people” were the words of Abraham Lincoln on democracy. There are so many different models of democratic governments around the world that sometimes it is easier to understand the idea of democracy in terms of what it Definitely is not, democracy, then, is not autocracy or dictatorship, where one person rules : and it is not oligarchy, where a small segment of society rules. Properly understood, democracy should not even be “rule of the majority”, if that means then minorities interests are ignored completely. A democracy, at least in theory, is government on behalf of the people, according to their will. Democracy is a system of government where representatives are voted into office by the people of the country i.e. citizens. In true democracies citizens can take an active role in their Government and hold them to account by voting them out. Democracy is linked to human rights and aims to ensure that everyone in a society is represented. Regardless of Skin, colour, sex, sexual orientation, religion, ability, or a wide range of others, democracy should ensure that governments protect their people.
International Day of democracy is an opportunity to assess issues like human rights, equality and conflict resolution throughout the World. It’s a chance to reflect on our own freedoms and think about those who are less fortunate then
us. It also highlights that democracy needs the participation of all citizens and encourages actions and motivates people to work collectively for a fairer and more representative Government.
This year theme for the International Day of democracy is focused on the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool for good governance. In his message for observance, UN Secretary General Antonio Gueterres notes that AI has the potential to enhance public participation, equality, security and human development but warns that if “left unchecked” its dangers “could have serious implications for democracy, peace and stability.
Recommendations: AI tools must be available for everyone.
o Inclusivity: All citizens, including those in Global South, should be able to access and meaningfully use AI tools.
o Public Interest: Governance should go beyond the do-no-harm principle and define a broader accountability framework for companies that build, deploy and control AI, as well as downstream users.
o Centrality of Data Governance: AI Governance cannot be divorced from the governance of Data and the promotion of data commons.
o Universal, Networked and Multi stake holder: AI governance should prioritize universal buy in by countries and stake holders. It should leverage existing institutions through a network approach.
o International Law: AI governance needs to be anchored in the UN Charter, international human rights law, and the sustainable goals.
UNESCO’s recommendations on the ethics of artificial intelligence is the first global policy from work for AI, focusing on its impact on political life and
democracy. The report delves into the current and potential impact of AI on democracy and the benefits of digitalization for collective decision making.
All our member parliaments mark the day with events and celebrations. Since the day was observed in 2008, hundreds of parliamentary events are held world vide.
There include photo competitions work shop for children, live televised debates, radio phone and meetings with civil society organizations. This day is an opportunity to review the state of democracy around the world. Each year highlights a theme i.e. this year theme being importance of AI in democracy. Past themes have included stronger democracies, the importance of democracy for
the year 2030 agenda for sustainable development, strengthening the voices of citizens, dialogue and inclusiveness, accountability and political tolerance.
Our support for International Democracy Day stems from our core belief that democracy requires the participation of all citizens. It is an opportunity to highlight the important role of parliaments and to celebrate their capacity and mandate to deliver on justice, peace, development and human rights. Our work on International Democracy Day is part of our efforts to build democracy. This day is a occasion to educate the general public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of democracy.
This day provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world as it is much a process as goal and only with the full participation of and support by the international community, national governing bodies, civil society and individuals, can the ideal of democracy be made into a reality to be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere.
The democracy needs to be further deepened, by reinvigorating the rights and guarantees enshrined in liberal democracy and making it more responsive and accountable. Looking at the alternatives it is fair to conclude that people living in democracies have no alternative.
The International Day of democracy is an opportunity to reinforce the importance of upholding free speech, civil liberties, and the rule of law, ensuring accountable institutions and protecting and promoting human rights – UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
