Georgetown : Since 2007 the United Nation (UN) has set aside September 15 as World International Day of Democracy. This year’s theme of Engaging Young People on Democracy is recognised in Guyana’s upholding of the UN General Assembly’s resolution aimed at promoting and upholding the principles of democracy.
During a reception held last evening, Guyana’s UN Resident Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Khadija Musa has confirmed that this is so.
Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Director Dr. Carissa Etienne, Musa stated that Guyana is a “very challenging country politically. The democracy in this country is a very hard core democracy; we follow it day to day. The media is quite open and writes a lot, so we learn a lot from the media.”
President Donald Ramotar at a Permanent Council of the Organisation of American States’ (OAS) Protocolary Session said: “ The restitution of democracy to our nation and the strengthening of its democratic process were achieved after arduous political struggles spanning four decades…consequently for us, independence and democracy are committed goals and cherished ideals which we constantly strive to preserve, strengthen, protect and expand in keeping with both our constitutional obligations, as well as our commitments to the charter to the OAS…and other regional and regional and international instruments.”
Democracy in Guyana is of utmost importance during the conduct of elections. This process which has earned the trust and confidence of citizens across the country is the heartbeat of democracy. Citizens remember well the past of rigged elections and lives given to defend the right to elect a government of their choice.
Democracy is a universal value based on the freely expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems, and their full participation in all aspects of their lives.
