International Day of Democracy
Source: United Nation
GS II: Governance and Civil Service
Overview
- About International Day of Democracy
- Indian Democratic System
Why in the News?
Millions of people from across Karnataka joined Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in reading the Preamble of the Constitution on Friday, which is celebrated worldwide as the International Day of Democracy.
About International Day of Democracy
- The International Day of Democracy is observed annually on September 15th.
- It was established by the United Nations General Assembly to promote and uphold the principles of democracy worldwide.
- This day provides an opportunity to celebrate the importance of democratic values and to raise awareness about the ongoing efforts to promote and protect democracy.
2023 Theme: Empowering the next generation. Focuses on young people’s essential role in advancing democracy and ensuring that their voices are included in the decisions that have a profound impact on their world.
Key objectives and themes
- Promotion of Democracy
- The day serves as a platform to promote the idea that democracy is a fundamental human right and an essential component of good governance.
- Awareness and Education
- It encourages educational and awareness-raising activities about the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and citizens’ rights and responsibilities.
- Democratic Participation
- The day emphasizes the importance of citizens’ participation in democratic processes, such as elections, civic engagement, and decision-making.
- Protection of Democracy
- It highlights the need to safeguard and strengthen democratic institutions and practices, including freedom of expression, media freedom, and the independence of the judiciary.
- Global Cooperation
- The International Day of Democracy encourages international cooperation to support democratic governance and the resolution of conflicts through peaceful means.
- Inclusivity
- Democracy is celebrated as a system that should be inclusive and accessible to all citizens, regardless of gender, age, race, or socio-economic status.
- Rule of Law
- Emphasis is placed on the importance of the rule of law in democratic societies, where laws are applied equally to all citizens.
- Peaceful Transitions of Power
- It underscores the significance of peaceful transitions of power through free and fair elections, a hallmark of democratic societies.
- Accountability
- The day promotes the concept of accountability in governance, where leaders are responsible to their constituents and can be held accountable for their actions.
- Dialogue and Tolerance
- Encouragement of dialogue, tolerance, and respect for diverse opinions and perspectives as essential elements of democratic societies.
Indian Democratic System
- India is the world’s largest democracy and is known for its vibrant and diverse political system.
- Comprehensive understanding of Indian democracy, including its key features, institutions, challenges, and strengths.
Key Features of Indian Democracy
- Universal Adult Suffrage
- India grants the right to vote to all citizens above the age of 18, regardless of caste, religion, gender, or economic status.
- Federal System
- India follows a federal system of government with a division of powers between the central government and the states.
- It is also known as a quasi-federal system due to the strong influence of the central government.
- Parliamentary Democracy
- India’s political system is based on the Westminster model of parliamentary democracy. It has a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government.
- Multi-Party System
- India has a multi-party system with a wide range of political parties representing diverse interests and ideologies.
- The Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are two of the prominent parties.
- Independent Judiciary
- The Indian judiciary is independent of the executive and legislature.
- The Supreme Court of India is the apex judicial authority and guardian of the Constitution.
Institutions of Indian Democracy
- Parliament
- India’s Parliament consists of two houses – the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
- Members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people, while members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the members of the State Legislative Assemblies.
- Executive
- The President of India is the ceremonial head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government.
- The Council of Ministers, led by the Prime Minister, is responsible for day-to-day governance.
- Judiciary
- The Indian judiciary is a three-tier system consisting of the Supreme Court, High Courts, and subordinate courts.
- It interprets and upholds the Constitution, protects individual rights, and resolves disputes.
- Election Commission
- The Election Commission of India is responsible for conducting free and fair elections at various levels – from the local panchayats to the national parliament.
Challenges to Indian Democracy
- Electoral Challenges: Issues such as money power, criminalization of politics, and voter bribery can undermine the integrity of elections.
- Political Fragmentation: The multi-party system can lead to coalition politics and unstable governments, which may hinder decision-making.
- Social and Economic Inequalities: Caste-based discrimination, economic disparities, and regional disparities persist, affecting the inclusivity of Indian democracy.
- Communalism and Sectarianism: Communal tensions and religious polarization can threaten social harmony and the secular fabric of the nation.
- Corruption: Corruption at various levels of government remains a significant challenge.
- Security Concerns: Issues like terrorism and insurgencies pose security threats and challenges to governance.
Strengths of Indian Democracy
- Peaceful Transfers of Power: India has a strong tradition of peaceful transfers of power through democratic elections.
- Vibrant Civil Society: India has a vibrant civil society with active participation in social and political issues.
- Independent Media: The Indian media plays a crucial role in providing information and promoting accountability.
- Judicial Activism: The judiciary’s activism has been instrumental in protecting constitutional values and citizens’ rights.
- Institutional Framework: India’s democratic institutions, including the Election Commission and the judiciary, are well-established.
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