East African Legislative Assembly, Arusha, Tanzania: 30 August, 2016: EALA is urging all Parliaments and Political Parties of the EAC Partner States to celebrate the International Day of Democracy on 15th September 2016 by having specific programs facilitating and promoting participation of young people in all affairs of their society including in decision making and political affairs.
This afternoon, the Assembly debated and passed a Motion for the Assembly to celebrate the International Day of Democracy. The motion was moved by Hon Nusura Tiperu.
The Assembly in addition resolved to mark and celebrate the International Day of Democracy by setting an agenda for discussion that ensures political participation of young people as the region embraces the future of democracy.
The 2007 UN Resolution A/62/7 (2007), stipulates that each year, 15th September should be celebrated as an International Day of Democracy and encourages Governments to strengthen national programs devoted to the promotion and consolidation of democracy;
The International Parliamentary Union (IPU) has proposed that all Parliaments should organize activities for this year’s International Day of Democracy on the theme “Democracy 2030”.
The IPU has proposed that three themes oriented around youth, development and the future be incorporated, a move that the EALA supports.
“Having decided that we focus on the Youth-Oriented theme; requiring parliaments to assess themselves on what they are doing to ensure the political participation of young people and prepare the future of democracy and what progress has been made and what needs to be done”, a section of the report states.
In October, 2013, EALA further passed a Resolution on institutionalizing 15th September as the International Day of Democracy in the East African Community region, where it further committed itself to enhance its role in awareness creation on Democracy and on the International Day of Democracy.
In her justification, Hon Tiperu said the region whose youth populace is pegged at 63% need to celebrate the successes of democracy and to look into the challenges faced.
During debate, Hon Dora Byamukama said there was need to make key follow-up on what the Partner States do on the very day.
“We need to take the issue of democracy very seriously”, she said. “Perhaps Africa needs its own definition taking into account the fact that we need to take to enhance civic education”, she added.
Hon Mukasa Mbidde said it was necessary for the rule of law and democracy to be adhered to. The motion is anchored on Article 6 (d) and 7 (2) and all Protocols that African States are party to.
“It is on this day that we need to tell the Partner States to carry out, and implement what it takes to ensure access to justice is realized”, he said.
The Partner States should also ensure the access and deposit of the declarations required under Article 34 (6) of the Protocol of the African Court and Human Rights. So far only, the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Rwanda have deposited the said Protocol.
On 29th January, 2015, EALA passed a Resolution urging the EAC Partner States to adopt the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.
Hon Mbidde further mentioned that the jurisdiction of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) needs to be extended to cover the crimes against humanity. At the moment, only the ICC can try perpetrators of human rights violation, Hon Mbidde said.
Hon Mike Sebalu said championing democracy calls for persons to be democrats at all times. “We should not be denied our democratic choices which is a fundamental right. But on the converse, parties must organise themselves to live up to the needs of democracy”, the legislator said.
Hon Mumbi Ngaru said it was time for young people to find their way in EALA and respective Parliaments.
Hon Martin Ngoga called for political willingness to have a mechanism to deal with matters of justice.
“We need African solutions to African problems in the area of international justice”’ he said.
The youth are majority and deserve their space in terms of planning and decision making”, he added. They must be part of a constructive agenda and not destructive’, he said, adding, that the Assembly should observe the day by among other things having discussions of intellect on the democratic practices.
Hon Straton Ndikuryayo lauded the EAC Secretariat for coming up with the initiative of the EAC Youth Ambassadors Platform (YAP) but said the implementation of the Youth Policy in the Partner States that lead to formation of National Youth Councils’ remained a challenge.
He said that National Assemblies should also include representation of the youth in the Assembly.
“Democracy needs young people and young people need democracy too”, Hon Ndikuryayo said.
Hon Abdullah Mwinyi, Hon AbuBakr Ogle, Hon Susan Nakawuki and Hon Nderakindo Kessy also supported the motion.
The Chairperson of the Council of Ministers, Hon Dr Susan Kolimba said the youth need exposure and more chances in leadership. She said there are a number of youthful faces in the current Government of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers, Hon Dr Susan Kolimba also responded to oral questions from the Members.
-Ends-
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For more Information, contact:
Bobi Odiko, Senior Public Relations Officer,
East African Legislative Assembly,
Tel: +255-27-2508240, Cell: +255 787 870945+254-733-718036;
Email: bodiko@eachq.org,
Arusha, Tanzania,
www.eala.org
