The goal of International Day of Democracy is to promote and uphold the principles of democracy. Democracy, at its simplest definition, refers to a government ruled by the people through representatives that have been elected by the whole population. Democracy is closely connected to human rights; in particular, the right to political and civil freedom. Ideally, democracy ensures equitable participation from all members of society. As it stands, only four countries in the world do not claim to be ruled by democracy; however, more than 100 other nations have non-democratic or partially-democratic governments. We note that these countries are home to more than half of the world's population.

A Very Brief Background

Since it has become compellingly evident to us that our mission and work are global in nature, the International Day of Democracy has become an important day of observance.

In 2007, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly passed a resolution that September 15 each year would be observed as the International Day of Democracy. Their goal for this day is to promote open democracy among all member nations of the UN Charter and to celebrate the system of values democracy promotes, giving citizens the power to make decisions regarding all aspects of their lives.

The UN serves a variety of purposes in advocating for democratic societies around the world, including monitoring elections, working to strengthen democratic institutions and accountability, and assisting nations recovering from conflict to create their own constitution.  

From democracy’s birth in ancient Greece thousands of years ago to the present, the foundation of a democratic society is the ability of its people to participate in the decision-making process of their nation. This can only happen when every citizen is allowed to vote regardless of ethnicity, gender or other factors—such as those with disabilities that may inhibit their ability to naturally participate without assistance.  Therefore, this means inclusion and equality are important to the success of a democratic society. In America, we have a representative democracy meaning we elect officials to represent our collective voice to vote on decisions.

For Today

Today, September 15th 2022 marks the 15th anniversary of the International Day of Democracy. However, across the world we see democracy at risk, diminishing, or slowly (sometimes more rapidly) being destroyed. The evidence is clear:

• Public and open discourse is being attacked — At the very least, if the audience doesn’t agree with the speaker’s statements, decorum is dismissed, and the speaker’s words are drowned in a chorus of cancellation. Increasingly, in many venues, the government intercedes to silence the speaker.

• Distrust and disinformation are growing — From public health antagonists, to election deniers, to those bent on causing chaos and disruption. Conspiracy theories, propaganda, misinformation are all being weaponized in this digital age where it is often observed that a lie can circle the globe before the truth can find a keyboard or a camera.

• Polarization is undermining democratic institutions — The only agenda is maintaining power—sometimes at all costs; conversation is not about people talking with one another, but talking at or past one another. Those guided by their ideology are sequestered by those blinded by their ideology.  The only answer the most dangerous believe is to “blow it all up.”

Insidiously, technology is being weaponized to accelerate and amplify these conditions. We must pause, and recognize what is happening while we are consumed with life’s daily distractions.

It is time to sound the alarm.

It is imperative that we, the people reaffirm that democracy and human rights are interdependent and mutually reinforcing.

It is urgent that we, the people actively promote the democratic principles of equality, inclusion, and solidarity.

And it is essential that we, the people stand with all those who are pro-democracy; those who strive to ensure the rule-of-law and sustain and promote the unbridled participation by all in the decision-making through the power of our voice and our vote.

To be sure, nothing in our cause, charter, or mission here at the OSET Institute or TrustTheVote® Project will solve for these challenges. Public election technology will go a long way to helping alleviate distrust and disbelief in at least the process of election administration; however, defending, protecting, and saving democracy requires much more.  And that starts with every citizen engaging in and supporting free and fair elections.

No one can claim to be pro-democracy and yet remain on the sidelines in this great struggle.  So, on this Democracy Day and every day, let us join forces to secure freedom and protect the rights of all people, everywhere by engaging, informing, and participating—starting here in the U.S. in 54 days, with what (truly this time) will be the most consequential election of a generation, and arguably since the formation of our republic and Union.

So, today we ask you to pause, take stock of your own freedoms that we all often take for granted.

• Consider how, in increasing cases those freedoms are being diluted and dissolved.

• Ponder all that has transpired for those in the U.S. since November two years ago.

• Ask yourself, on balance what is the state of our democracy and how can you stand-up and be heard as a pro-democracy citizen?

Notwithstanding the many ways you might get involved, there is one thing you surely must do in less than 60-days:

VOTE

Just. Do. It.

—Gregory Miller, Co-Founder