Just three weeks after National Heroes Day (Aug. 25), we have another occasion that reminds us of the reason why our patriots of the past sacrificially fought.
On Monday, Sept. 15, the United Nations spearheads the celebration of International Day of Democracy, an occasion that provides the opportunity to review the state of freedom and democracy in the world today.
The UN espouses that “democracy is as much a process as a goal, and only with the full participation of and support by the international community, national governing bodies, civil society and individuals, can the ideal of democracy be made into a reality to be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere.”
As UN Secretary- General Antonio Guterres puts it: “Democracy is powered by the will of the people – by their voices, their choices, and their participation.”
We recognize that democratic processes are anchored on Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”
A Pew Research Center study before the turn of the current decade showed that 96 out of 167 countries, with at least half-a-million population, or more than half, are democracies of some kind — either full, flawed or hybrid.
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But all appears not so well in democracies today. As we look at its current state, we realize that democracy is under threat. Even the so-called bastions of freedom in the West, like the United States, are undergoing severe test. The massive protests for the respect and protection of basic human rights are shaking the fibers of the nation that many of us looked up to as the symbol of justice and liberty.
Among global institutions that reported degrees of decline in freedom-related practices of nations known for their democratic principles is the Sweden-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, which described such downhill situation as “painfully apparent”, particularly in the Rule of Law situation.
It’s interesting to know the people’s level of people’s satisfaction over how democracy works in their respective countries. A Pew Research Center study conducted in 27 countries showed that a global median of 51 percent said they were dissatisfied with how democracy is working in their country. That rate is higher than the 45 percent which expressed satisfaction.
Citizens of Mexico, Greece, Brazil and Spain expressed the most dissatisfaction while Sweden and the Philippines were among those with the highest levels of popular satisfaction with democracy (69 percent of the respondents).
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Perceptions of democracy and its importance to society is vital. A recent study published in the Philippine Star revealed a disconcerting pattern. The figures may not be as high but somehow they strike a chord in the sense of appreciation of a democratic way of life.
The findings of the study of the Singapore-based Institute of Southeast Asian Studies-Yusuf Ishak Institute showed that at least one in four Filipino college students are willing to accept a non-democratic form of governance. The Filipino youth’s openness to an undemocratic form of governance is second only to Singapore – 27.6 percent (which is understandable considering our neighbor’s global economic dominance and stability).
I’d like to think that the Philippine figure was not as high as before.
The report revealed that a little than one-fourth “of Filipino undergraduate students agree that ‘under certain circumstances, a non-democratic government is acceptable.’” Thai students rank behind the Filipinos (24.1%), followed by Indonesia (24.6%), Malaysia (19.4%), and Vietnam (18.9%) in their willingness to consider different political systems, the PhilStar report further said.
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What spurs the wide discontent of democratic processes? The Inter-Parliamentary Union, which is based in Geneva, has cited five major threats and critical challenges to democracy:
• Disengagement, which refers to a lack of engagement with political decision-making. “Democracy is weakened when citizens cannot get involved with governance and therefore do not feel represented by leaders or their policies,” it said.
• Technology, which is being used to disseminate fake news and drive polarization, the effects are felt across party lines and political divides.
• Lack of youth participation in governance which is reflected in a staggering gap in the representation in politics of young people, the future leaders in politics, making this a key issue for the progression of democratization now.
• Gender imbalance with the majority of the world’s parliamentarians being male, while women account for only 26.4% of parliamentary seats worldwide.
• Climate crisis, which is an existential threat to humanity, with far-reaching and devastating impacts on every aspect of our lives. It exacerbates inequality, increases poverty and food scarcity, displaces populations and exacts a direct toll on countries’ democratic aims, IPU noted.
On top of these threats, IPU acknowledged, are grave concerns eroded by populism, autocracy and corruption, with reports resurfacing into the country triggering not only widespread anger but also demoralization of the Filipinos’ spirit.
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The pessimism, however, is countered by the fact that many countries remain in the realm of democracy despite the critical challenges they face.
The U S. Council on Foreign Relations is of the persuasion that the threats to democracy can be addressed if mitigating measures are put in place by, among others, supporting democracy through the beefing up of development assistance for new democracies.
The council also pushes as intervention the encouragement of new democracies to adopt strong domestic laws guaranteeing free elections, human rights, and the independence of the judiciary and to take other measures to promote civil society
It further recommends the spurring of regional organizations to adopt ‘democracy clauses’ that would bar the membership of governments that have come to power through unconstitutional means.
It is even exploring the possibility of making the interruption of democracy a crime under international law.
Despite the discontent of this form of governance in many parts of the world, believers of democracy have the real-life reasons to celebrate it despite its flaws and frailties. And we join them on Monday’s event because we cherish it.
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On Sunday, Sept. 14, people in the United States and other countries remember their beloved pets that have already crossed the Rainbow Bridge. As an owner of dogs and cats that have left me with fondest memories, I am in thought and spirit with them in observing Pet Memorial Day.
You are missed my former canine companions Bugoy, Bruno, Bronx and Bronco as well as Orange and my other once faithful feline friends.
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Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17) | NWI
