Democracy requires: strong parliamentsfree and fair electionsguaranteed human rightsgender equality and non-discriminationactive civil societyeffective political partiesindependent media Ten things you should know about democracy. Here are the answers to some of the frequently asked questions, including: What exactly is democracy? What difference does democracy make to our lives? Are democracies equipped to deal with current threats to human security? Learn facts and figures about the world of parliaments. Order illustrative material issued by the IPU for the International Day of Democracy or download electronic copies of posters and leaflets. Watch video recordings of selected events as streaming video. A panel discussion dedicated to the International Day of Democracy was held at the IPU Headquarters in Geneva on 15 September 2008. Many parliaments held their own commemorative events also on or around this date. Regularly updated information about such events is posted on our website. Video recording of the event at the IPU Headquarters [ More] [ More] [ More] An exhibition of political caricatures from the early 20th century to the present day was opened at the IPU headquarters on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy. Most of the works on exhibit have been posted for viewing on this website. Tells us what democracy means to you and how it affects your life. Examples of questions: What does "democracy" represent for you? Has the state of democracy in your country improved or worsened in the last 10 years? How effective is parliament as a forum for real debate on questions of public concern? We have prepared a collection of documents, illustrated materials and publications geared specifically towards the needs of the media. Examples of materials that can be obtained from the IPU Secretariat: Messages Press releases Video footage [ More] [ More] [ More]
free and fair elections
illustrative material issued by the IPU for the International Day of Democracy or download electronic copies of posters and leaflets. Watch video recordings of selected events as streaming video.
from the early 20th century to the present day was opened at the IPU headquarters on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy. Most of the works on exhibit have been posted for viewing on this website.
