Story by George Sanzila
Windhoek – Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Prof. Peter Katjavivi has urged parliaments across the world to continue to advance the values of democracy in order to improve the livelihood of people.
Hon. Katjavivi mentioned this today, in an online conference on the International Day of democracy which is being commemorated today under the theme “Role of legislature in fostering effective and meaningful democracy.”
According to Katjavivi parliaments have a sacred role to play to ensure that the voices of citizens are both heard and protected. “Parliaments are critical key players in the advancement and strengthening of democracy across the world. Parliament is representative of citizens’ voices and our mandate must ensure that those voices are protected in order for citizens to continue or being encouraged to undertake their civic obligations and responsibilities, thereby strengthening our nations and governance structures”, said the Speaker.
He further noted that with the marking of the International Day of Democracy, nations have an opportunity to review and consolidate their state of democracy. “The day presents us a renewed opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world. It goes without saying that values such as the respect for human rights, respect for the rule of law, conducting of free, fair and credible elections through universal suffrage, are the backbones of any democratic state”, stated Katjavivi.
The virtual gathering, hosted by the parliament of India, brought together presiding officers from the rest of the world. The International Day of Democracy is celebrated on the 15 of September every year. It was established through a resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007.