“Unfortunately”, they stated, “space for civil society is shrinking rapidly today, both in countries with no democratic tradition and in ostensibly democratic countries”. We need to be reminded that effective public participation is inextricably linked with sustained civic and democracy education as well as information. The theme for this year’s anniversary being “Space for Civil Societies”. “We see this clearly in the world’s most vibrant and stable democracies where government and civil society work together for common goals. Civil society is a key partner to achieve this noble goal”.

Indiana commemoration of this year’s global Day for Democracy, the United Nations Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, has called on governments to provide enabling environments for the smooth operations and contributions of the civil society groups in deepening democracy, even as the world governing body again praises Nigeria for the smooth transition from a ruling party to the opposition. “It is the civil society groups that are helping to ensure the citizens are well informed in terms of their duties, their electoral roles and also knowing what the constitution expects them to do”, he said. He added that a “people-centred and planet-sensitive” development could be achieved only if the states work in close partnership with civil society to implement and monitor SDGs.

Bhutan is a relatively young democracy but, breathing life into the democratic foundation. Through this online platform, hundreds of youths have been able to comment on various development issues such as unemployment and education. Civil society acts as a catalyst for social progress and economic growth.

The role civil society can play to bridge the gap between the government and the population – especially at the grassroots level – is self-evident. Civil societies in Fiji have been tireless in their efforts to promote awareness of human rights, assisting communities in articulating concerns, shaping strategies, influencing policy and laws and pressing for accountability. To translate civil society’s experience into knowledge, analysis and evidence-gathering will be critical. “The ones that are genuine civil society organizations are doing their best to contribute to the development of the country”, he concluded. Civil society networks such as RENEW’s are source of support to people in Bhutan, as well as experts on the situation on the ground.

Curiously, the United Nations does not have in its charter “democracy” and the decision-making organ of the body, the Security Council, has come repeatedly under criticism over lack of democratic credentials, particularly as regarding veto-wielding permanent members, it however, started marking every September 15 as World Democracy Day since 2008.