GPC salutes UN ‘International Day of Democracy 2017’

Dear Editor,
The Guyana Peace Council (GPC) salutes United Nations ‘International Day of Democracy 2017.’
This year’s observation is being held under the theme ‘Democracy and Conflict Prevention’.
International Day of Democracy is being observed by fighters for democracy, peace and social progress all over the world.
In 1997, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) adopted a Universal Declaration on Democracy.
Subsequently, in 2007, the United Nations General Assembly resolved to observe September 15 as ‘International Day of Democracy’ – with the purpose of promoting and upholding the principles of democracy.
The preamble of the resolution affirmed that: “…while democracies share common features, there is no single model of democracy, and democracy does not belong to any country or region…”
The resolution further states: “…democracy is a universal value based on the freely expressed will of the people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems, and their full participation in all aspects of life…”
Under the leadership of former President Cheddi Jagan, founder of the GPC, the Council played a supportive role to the Guyanese people’s struggle for the restoration of democracy in 1992 through free and fair elections.
Prior to the 1992 elections, the GPC organised several fora on a number of national and international issues, to raise the people’s awareness on the importance of democracy, what it involves, the challenges it faces, as well as the opportunities it offers.
As President of the Guyana Peace Council and a member of the Presidium of the World Peace Council (WPC), Cheddi Jagan took the cries of the Guyanese people to the international arena, making leaders and the peoples of many countries aware of the struggle in his country for the restoration of democracy, racial and working class unity, peace and social progress.
His tireless efforts in this endeavour won the admiration and support of many world leaders, including the leadership of the WPC, which endorsed his request that June 15 be declared International Day of Solidarity with the People of Guyana.
As we in the GPC join in lending support to, and solidarity with, our fellow fighters for democracy and peace around the world, we are cognisant of our own struggles that lie ahead against a creeping dictatorship and authoritarian rule in Guyana with the return to government of a disguised and discredited People’s National Congress (PNC).
As it has done in the past, and in keeping with this year’s theme, ‘Democracy and Conflict Prevention’, the GPC stands ready to work with all local stakeholders who have declared in favour of working hard to help strengthen our democratic institutions for peace and stability, for effective and inclusive democratic governance, for respect for human rights, and for the rule of law in Guyana.
As we mark this significant occasion, we in the GPC call upon all Guyanese who stand in support of these noble ideals to join with the GPC to collectively and courageously struggle for the realisation of this worthy cause.
Further, we appeal for the support of our brothers and sisters around the world with whom we are joined in a common struggle for democracy, peace and social progress.
Long Live International Day of Democracy!

Guyana Peace Council