HOME -> PROMOTING DEMOCRACY -> INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DEMOCRACY

15 September 2011 The choice by the United Nations of 15 September for the International Day of Democracy corresponds to the adoption in September 1997 by the IPU of a Universal Declaration on Democracy. That Declaration affirms the principles of democracy, the elements and exercise of democratic government. Statement by Dr. Theo-Ben Gurirab, IPU President

What do citizens expect from their parliament?

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Democracy requires: strong parliamentsfree and fair electionsguaranteed human rightsgender equality and non-discriminationactive civil societyeffective political partiesindependent media

Throughout the world, politicians are seeking ways to meet the ever growing expectations of citizens. Parliamentarians consider law-making to be their most important role, but citizens believe that solving constituents' problems is the number one task of MPs. "People expect us to do miracles. As a young leader, I must change people's perceptions of what is possible." – First-term MP, Papua New Guinea.	Learn facts and figures about democracy and the world of parliaments. Order illustrative material issued by the IPU for the International Day of Democracy or download electronic copies of posters, leaflets and documents.	The IPU is organizing a series of activities around the theme of "Political accountability: Strengthening links between parliaments and citizens". The IPU also encourages parliaments to hold their own commemorative events in connection with the International Day of Democracy. Regularly updated information about such events is posted on our website.
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The word "democracy" comes from two Greek words: demos, which means "the people", and kratein, which means "to rule". Throughout history, democracies have flourished, been threatened or replaced by authoritarian rule only to re-emerge in societies all over the world today.	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, in order to be able to articulate their concerns more effectively.	An exhibition of political caricatures from the early 20th century to the present is on display at the IPU Headquarters. Most of the works are available for viewing on this website.
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