The International Day of Democracy is observed every year on 15 September to strengthen and promote democratic values worldwide. Established by a UN General Assembly Resolution in 2007, it encourages governments to protect freedoms, uphold democratic principles, and ensure citizen participation in decision-making.
International Day of Democracy 2025
- 2025 marks the 18th International Day of Democracy with the theme: “From Voice to Action” → highlighting the importance of moving beyond raising concerns to implementing real democratic participation and accountability.
History of International Day of Democracy
- Etymology: The word Democracy comes from Greek → demos (people) + kratos (rule/power).
- Origins:
- Rooted in the Universal Declaration on Democracy, adopted 15 September 1997 by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) (global organization of national parliaments).
- 2007: Qatar initiated the proposal; UNGA passed Resolution on 8 November 2007, designating 15 September as International Day of Democracy.
- First Observed: 2008.
Significance (2025 Context)
- Provides an opportunity to reflect on the state of democracy worldwide.
- UN stresses: “Democracy is as much a process as a goal.”
- Growing global concerns:
- Fake news and disinformation.
- Political polarization and weakening of democratic institutions.
- Restrictions on free speech, press freedom, and civic participation.
- Citizens demand greater accountability, transparency, fairness, equality, and human rights protection.
- Democracy = not only elections, but also safeguarding freedom of expression, inclusion, and justice.
Background & Human Rights Connection
- Democracy and freedom of expression are deeply interconnected.
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Article 19:
- “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”
- International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR):
- Enshrines the link between democracy, freedom of expression, and press freedom.
- Challenges: Many regimes continue to restrict free press, curb dissent, and limit participation- threatening democratic ideals.
UN General Assembly (UNGA):
- Established: 1945 (with the founding of the UN).
- Each of the 193 UN member states has one vote.
- Current President (79th session, 2024–25): Philemon Yang (Cameroon).
Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU):
- Founded: 1889, Paris.
- HQ: Geneva, Switzerland.
- Members: 180+ national parliaments.
- Role: Promotes parliamentary democracy and cooperation.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR):
- Adopted: 10 December 1948 by UNGA.
- Drafted under leadership of Eleanor Roosevelt.
- Article 19 → foundation for freedom of speech & press freedom.
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR):
- Adopted: 1966, entered into force 1976.
- India ratified in 1979.
- Legally binding treaty ensuring rights like freedom of expression, assembly, religion, and fair trial.
Democracy in India (Static Context):
- India = World’s largest democracy.
- Constitution adopted: 26 Nov 1949 → came into effect 26 Jan 1950.
- Article 326: Provides for universal adult suffrage.
- Election Commission of India (ECI): Established in 1950, conducts free and fair elections.