DEMOCRACY DAY 2019

VIDEO SERIES

Since 2007 the International Day of Democracy has been marked on 15 September. In 2019 DEM-DEC teamed up with our partner, Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA), to celebrate democracy defenders worldwide by gathering videos answering the question:

'Why is it Important to be a Defender of Democracy Today?'

MPs, scholars and policymakers from across the world contributed videos. Take a look.

DEM-DEC VIDEO

PROF. ESTEFANIA BARBOZA

“Brazil is facing dark times… but democracy is the only choice in a plural world.”

prof. aziz huq

“Because democracy is the best system we have ever discovered for human government.”

DR RAUL SÁNCHEZ-URRIBARRI

“Because for defending democracy there should be no tomorrow. Its' urgent. It's always urgent."

ALICE STOLLMEYER, DIRECTOR, DEFENDING DEMOCRACY

“As democracies are under attack worldwide, it is up to each of us to defend democracy.”

PROF. SÉBASTIEN PLATON

“Because it is in danger” in Europe, from governments that “are autocracies in the making.”

PGA VIDEOS

Ms. Irina Suslova

"Because democracy is a chance for positive change. Not despotism and dictatorship."

Sen. Iván Cepeda

Because intensifying democracy is "the only antidote against climate change" and wars, and serves "the promotion of social justice".

Hon. Fatoumatta Njai

Because "democracy expresses a crucial modern truth and that we are all accountable to one another."

Dip. Lucas Inicco

"Because democracy is much more than a form of government. It's a way of life."

Dip. Cornelia Schmidt Liermann

"Because it is the best form of government. Perhaps not the most perfect, but the fairest one."

Dip. Julio Sahad

"Because it is the only system where freedom of thought and expression are respected."

Dip. María Carla Piccolomi

Because "defending democracy is defending our rights and freedoms."

Dip. Alicia Fregonese

"Because it will allow us to live in peace."

Sen. Guillermo Snopek

Because "Our country has gone through dark times, without the possibility of citizens expressing themselves through their vote."

Marcela Aguiñaga MP

Because "defending democracy is not "a trend". It is not a right-wing or left-wing matter. It's a matter of principle."

hon. béatrice epaye

"Because democracy promotes freedom for all citizens and guarantees that all citizens of a country are treated equally".

Hon. Dennis Kwok

"If you look at Hong Kong, the Hong Kong people are fighting for democracy because they are fighting for their freedom and the rule of law." If you fight for democracy "you are standing together with the Hong Kong people."

Dip. Carla Pitiot

"Because in a world shaken by crisis of representation and distrust in power structures, countries with young democracies must understand that democracy is not conquered once and for all, but must be conquered continuously."

Dip. José Luis Ramón

"Because it is the only possible way to change reality. With democracy we can build all necessary consensus to live together in spite of our differences."

Dip. Daniel Filmus

Because "In a country whose story has been marked by military dictatorships, defending democracy is everyone's obligation."

Dip. Graciela Camaño

Because it "is the only way to build decent and efficient governments."