WELCOME FROM THE CHIEF ELECTIONS OFFICER OF SAINT LUCIA   

The United Nations General Assembly in its resolution A/RES/62/7 in 2007 established the International Day of Democracy. In so doing it noted that “while democracies share common features, there is no single model of democracy” and that “democracy does not belong to any country or region”. The International Day of Democracy is meant both to celebrate democracy and to serve as a reminder that the need to promote and protect democracy is as urgent now as ever.

Since the first International Day of Democracy was celebrated on 15 September 2008, the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) and parliaments around the world organized numerous events. In observance of International Day of Democracy, the Electoral Department of Saint Lucia is joining with the United Nations in celebrating under the theme, Strengthening Voices for Democracy, which demands determination, perseverance and respect. It’s about connecting with people, places and information that help broaden your understanding of why democracy and voting is so important.

The International Day of Democracy is an opportunity is an opportunity to:

1. Emphasize the importance of democracy, what it involves, the challenges it faces as well as the opportunities it offers.
2. Identify what steps that may be taken in order to strengthen its effectiveness.
3.  Promote dialogue with citizens, especially young people, and encourage their participation in political processes.

For the second time in a row, from September 13^th to 20^th, 2013, the department will be hosting a number of activities to commemorate St Lucia’s Democracy Week with a civic education initiative.

The Electoral Department is working in partnership with the National Youth Council as part of our democracy awareness week.  The Department is also undertaking a pilot project at the Grande Riviere Secondary School in Dennery to issue National Identification Cards to students sixteen (16) years and over.

I therefore encourage young Saint Lucians get involved and pay close attention to the planed democracy week activities.

I also urge all Saint Lucians to use Saint Lucia’s Democracy Week as an opportunity to play their part to ensure a vital democracy.

Electoral Department Democracy Week Activities 2013

THEME: Strengthening Voices for Democracy

  Activities

Carson Raggie

Chief Elections Officer