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  International Day of Democracy:
  Get involved!

Parliament sometimes seems to be a remote institution that is distant from ordinary citizens. However, the institution of parliament, and individual parliamentarians, have a duty to reach out to the people that they represent, in order to be able to articulate their concerns more effectively. They do so in many ways.

Parliaments seek to be transparent and accessible, for example, by publishing draft legislation and information on parliamentary activities; by facilitating the work of the media that reports on parliamentary proceedings; by inviting people to make submissions to the legislative process; and, more generally, by fostering a vibrant civil society and working closely with it in finding solutions to problems facing the country.

Equally, the role of citizens in a democracy is not limited to the act of electing a parliament; citizens need to be continually engaged with parliament if it is to remain in touch with the people and their needs.

Below are just a few of the ways in which you can be involved with your parliament. For more ideas, see the flyer announcing the International day of Democracy 2009.

1. Find out about your member of parliament

   Members of parliament often represent specific areas or regions, and it should not be difficult to know who represents you in Parliament, although this can depend on the electoral system in your country. How long have they been in Parliament? Which political party do they represent? What did they do before they entered Parliament? What are their areas of specialization and/or issues in which they have a special interest? What committees, boards or groups do they belong to? How did they vote on key issues? Knowing all these things will help you better understand your member of parliament.

2. Educate your friends and family – and yourself

   Parliamentary proceedings can seem complex, even for people who work in a parliament! Many people do not know precisely what a parliament does, and the distinction between the legislative and executive branches of government is not always clear in people’s minds. Understanding what a parliament is supposed to do – and what it does in practice – is a vital step towards becoming an engaged citizen. Many parliaments have a public information office that produces user-friendly materials for adults and children. Try contacting your parliamentary public information office to see how they can help you, your friends and family get to know parliament better.

3. Follow parliamentary business in the news

   One way to know what is happening in parliament is to watch, read or listen to reports in the media. Tuning in or reading for just a few minutes will keep you up-to-date on the latest decisions and laws being passed or considered, as well as letting you know what parliament is discussing. Bear in mind however that the work of parliament that is covered in the news often represents only a small part of the total activity within a parliament.

4. Go to your parliament’s website

   Looking at a website is a simple step, but can be a good place to get started. Most parliamentary websites contain information about current events at the parliament, details of the membership, structure and working methods of parliament and plenty of other information and links to help you become better informed. Many parliaments also webcast the proceedings of parliament in plenary session and in committee. The PARLINE database on national parliaments has links to all parliamentary websites worldwide.

5. Contact your member of parliament

   It is important for members of parliament to know how their constituents feel about the issues that affect them. Often, members of parliament will have a constituency office where it is possible to meet them face-to-face to share your views and raise your concerns. In some cases, members will have a permanent staff with which you can make contact. You can also write to your member of parliament by letter or e-mail. Members of parliament are not there to solve all the problems that constituents may be faced with, but they can provide advice, raise issues on your behalf and help to get your voice heard.

6. Visit your parliament

   If you can, arrange a visit to your parliament. Many parliaments give free tours, or allow the public to sit in on sessions. You can also contact your member of parliament and arrange a meeting - they are there to represent you. Seeing your parliament will allow you to better understand how your parliament works, and what members of parliament do.

7. Hold your member of parliament to account

   Although elections are only held every few years, there are many ways to hold your member of parliament to account during their mandate. How did your member vote on key issues? What is their position on legislation currently under discussion? What issues have they raised in parliament? On all of these points, you may want to ask your member to clarify their position, to express your agreement or disagreement, or to try to influence their position.

8. Participate in the legislative process

   When considering draft legislation, parliaments generally invite people to provide input to the process. In addition, many parliaments publish draft legislation on parliamentary web sites and other places, so that people have a chance to review and comment on it before it is discussed in parliament. If an issue is of particular importance to you, then make your opinion known. There are many ways to do so – by expressing your views to your member; by writing to a civil society group that is active in that area; by making a written submission directly to the parliamentary committee that is considering the draft legislation; etc.

9. Advocate for more women in parliament

   Globally, only 18.4% of all members of parliaments are women, but this percentage often varies by region and by parliament and parliamentary chamber. What percentage of the members of your parliament are women? Do you feel that this is an adequate percentage, or do you think it should change? What can you do to affect this?

10. Vote!

    The vast majority of parliaments are chosen through elections. Are you a registered voter? If not, register to vote at the next election! Who did you vote for in the last election? When is the next election, and who will you vote for then? If you are not eligible to vote, discuss the election with your friends who are eligible. How are they planning on voting? How will this affect you? Voting is the basic act of participation in a democracy. It is your right – be sure to use it!